Niger miners’ deaths: I’ll expose any cover-up — Deji Adeyanju

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has vowed to expose any attempt to cover up wrongdoing in the investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State.

Adeyanju, who is a member of the Federal Government’s independent committee set up to probe the deaths of 37 suspected miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), said his priority was to represent the victims and ensure that justice is served.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Deji Adeyanju said he accepted the role because of the need to ensure that the victims’ voices are heard.

“I feel that I am on that committee to serve the interests of those who have been murdered brutally and gruesomely murdered,” he said.

The lawyer said he would not allow anyone to suppress facts or shield those responsible if wrongdoing was uncovered during the investigation.

“I am there to represent the victims, and I will make sure there is no cover-up or that nobody tries to suppress any wrongdoing; if they try to do so, I will expose them,” he added.

The Federal Government had constituted the 10-member committee following public outrage over the deaths of the suspected miners, who were detained by the NSCDC in Niger State.

The committee includes legal practitioners, security experts and civil society representatives and is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and submit recommendations.

The incident has sparked demands for accountability, with questions raised over the conditions surrounding the detention of the victims and the circumstances that led to their deaths.

Adeyanju said the committee must remain focused on uncovering the truth and ensuring that the families of the deceased receive justice.