By Gabriel Ameh
Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, describing the incident as a “crime against humanity” and calling for accountability.
Adeyanju said the deaths, reportedly involving some minors, represented a deeply troubling development and stressed that people held in state custody must be treated humanely and protected.
He called for a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, particularly the events leading to the deaths and the medical attention provided to those who reportedly fell ill.
Adeyanju also questioned the initial explanation that the deaths may have resulted from a disease outbreak, saying the claim should not be accepted as conclusive until supported by credible medical and forensic evidence.
“What happened when people first began falling ill? What medical attention did they receive? Where is the evidence?” he asked.
He said anyone found responsible for the deaths through unlawful conduct, torture, deliberate mistreatment or criminal negligence should face prosecution.
The 37 detainees died on September 17 after being arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining in Niger State. The NSCDC initially linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while the exact cause remains subject to investigation.
The Federal Government has since constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident following a directive by President Bola Tinubu. The committee has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, examine their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of the deaths and identify any responsibility, negligence or misconduct.
Adeyanju has also been named as a member of the Federal Government’s investigative committee, alongside legal, security, medical, mining and civil society representatives. The committee has two weeks to submit its report.
The Federal Government has additionally suspended officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the investigation and directed that relevant records and evidence be preserved.
Adeyanju maintained that those found culpable must be held accountable, describing the incident as a “truly sad day for Nigeria.”
