Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has called for accountability over the deaths of miners in Niger State, warning against any attempt to cover up wrongdoing or interfere with the ongoing investigation.

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has said the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cannot avoid responsibility for the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State.

Adeyanju, who is a member of the 10-member independent committee constituted by the Federal Government to investigate the deaths, also said the victims should not be described simply as “illegal miners” in a manner that obscures the circumstances surrounding their deaths while in government custody.

‘Illegal Mining’ Allegation

Adeyanju argued on Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday that the investigation should go beyond the allegations against those who were arrested and establish the circumstances in which they were detained and died.

According to him, the government allocates mining sites to people, and the committee should therefore establish who owned the mine where the suspects were arrested.

He also warned against any attempt to cover up wrongdoing during the investigation, vowing to expose those who attempt to disrupt the probe.