RismadarVoice Reporters
September 19, 2026
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has accepted his appointment to the Federal Government’s 10-member committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State, declaring that he would expose any attempt to compromise the investigation.
Adeyanju said he accepted the responsibility solely to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the circumstances surrounding their deaths were fully established.
In a statement on Saturday, he urged the Federal Government not to provide committee members with stipends or honoraria, describing the investigation as a national duty requiring sacrifice.
“I urge the Government not to make any monetary provision, stipend or honorarium for members of the committee, as this is a national duty for which we should be prepared to sacrifice,” Adeyanju said.
He added that he would not accept any payment for serving on the panel and would personally bear his accommodation, transportation and other expenses throughout the investigation.
‘I WILL EXPOSE ANY ATTEMPT TO SUPPRESS THE TRUTH’
Adeyanju issued a strong warning against interference with the investigation, attempts to shield anyone found responsible or efforts to suppress evidence.
“I will not participate in or tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or cover up wrongdoing,” he said.
“If there is any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, I will expose it. The victims deserve justice, and the Nigerian factor as we know it must not be allowed to prevail.”
His comments come as questions surrounding the circumstances of the 37 deaths remain unresolved, with the committee expected to establish what happened following the victims’ arrest and detention.
TINUBU ORDERS COMPREHENSIVE PROBE
The committee was constituted by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths.
The 37 persons were reportedly arrested on September 15 and 16 during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal and artisanal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State before being detained in Minna.
Their deaths were reported on September 17, while protests followed in Minna the next day. The precise cause and circumstances of the deaths have not yet been conclusively established.
Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of officers involved in the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.
The committee has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrest, detention and the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
It will also determine whether there was responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The minister directed NSCDC authorities and other relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee and preserve all records and material evidence connected to the incident.
He further warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
PANEL GETS TWO WEEKS
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services Jonathan Kure, while former Nigerian Law School Director-General Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, serves as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, a 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; Miners Association of Nigeria National Secretary Liman Sulaiman; journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino; public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi; and Adeyanju.
The committee may co-opt relevant experts, inspect facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.
It has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
