By Uriel Ihotu
Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has accepted an invitation to serve on the Federal Government’s independent committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State.
Adeyanju said he accepted the assignment primarily to ensure that the interests of the victims are adequately represented and that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are fully established.
The Federal Government constituted the 10-member committee following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident. The panel is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, examine their arrests and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths, and identify any responsibility, negligence or misconduct.
In a statement on Saturday, Adeyanju thanked the government for considering him for the assignment, but stressed that his participation would be solely focused on protecting the interests of the victims and ensuring that the truth emerges.
“I am joining the committee solely to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the truth is established,” he said.
Adeyanju also urged the Federal Government not to provide stipends, honoraria or other monetary benefits to members of the committee, describing the assignment as a national duty.
He said he would personally bear the cost of his participation, including accommodation, transportation and other related expenses.
Adeyanju further stated that he would neither accept payment for the assignment nor tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or conceal wrongdoing.
“If there is any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, I will expose it,” he said.
The lawyer added that the victims deserved justice and that the investigation should not be undermined by what he described as the “Nigerian factor.”
The government’s committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, includes Adeyanju, legal, security, medical, mining and civil society representatives. It has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The government has also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation.
The investigation is expected to provide an independent account of what happened to the 37 detainees and determine whether any individuals or institutions bear responsibility for the deaths.
