Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has accepted a place on the Federal Government’s 10-member independent committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State.
Adeyanju said he joined the panel to ensure that the victims’ interests are represented and that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are fully established.
In a statement on Saturday, he thanked the government for considering him for the assignment and said he would treat the investigation as a national duty.
Adeyanju rejects payment
Adeyanju urged the government not to provide stipends, honoraria or other monetary benefits to members of the committee.
He said he would personally cover his accommodation, transportation and other expenses associated with the assignment.
“I will not accept any such payment, and I will not participate in or tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or cover up wrongdoing,” Adeyanju said.
Lawyer warns against suppressing findings
Adeyanju also warned that he would expose any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the findings of the investigation.
“If there is any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, I will expose it,” he said.
He added that the victims deserved justice and said the investigation must not be undermined by what he described as the “Nigerian factor”.
The Federal Government constituted the 10-member panel after 37 people reportedly died while in NSCDC custody on September 17. The committee has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, examine their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths, and establish any responsibility, negligence or misconduct. It has two weeks to submit its report.
