By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has been inaugurated as a member of the 10-man independent committee set up by the Federal Government to investigate the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The committee was formally inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The 37 detainees reportedly died on September 17, 2026, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command. The circumstances and cause of the deaths have not yet been conclusively established.
Adeyanju, who is one of the 10 members of the committee, said his decision to serve was driven by the need to represent the interests of the victims and help establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Adeyanju: Victims’ Interests Must Be Protected
Speaking on the investigation, Adeyanju said he would approach the assignment as a national duty and would not tolerate attempts to suppress facts or shield anyone found responsible.
He also warned that any attempt to cover up wrongdoing during the investigation would be exposed.
Adeyanju said he was joining the committee to ensure that the interests of the victims were represented and that the truth surrounding the deaths was established.
He has also said he would personally cover his accommodation, transportation and other expenses connected with the assignment and urged that no stipends or honoraria be provided to committee members.
FG Gives Panel Two Weeks
The Federal Government constituted the committee after President Tinubu directed a comprehensive investigation into the deaths.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the committee is mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine the cause and manner of their deaths through appropriate medical and forensic examinations.
It is also expected to determine whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred and recommend appropriate disciplinary action, compensation where applicable and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
Who Are the Other Committee Members?
The committee is chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General, Mr Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.
Other members are retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and Dr George Agbakahi, a public affairs analyst.
The committee has been authorised to access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, conduct forensic examinations, co-opt experts where necessary and receive memoranda from members of the public.
The Federal Government has also directed the NSCDC leadership and relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and preserve all records and material evidence connected to the incident.
Meanwhile, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The investigation is expected to establish what happened to the 37 detainees and determine whether any individual or institutional responsibility arose from their arrest, detention or deaths.
