Deji Adeyanju Demands Accountability for Miners' Deaths

Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer and activist, has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. During an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Adeyanju emphasized that the investigation must not only address allegations against those arrested but also clarify the circumstances of their detention and deaths.

He highlighted the need for the independent committee to determine the ownership of the mine where the arrests occurred, as the government allocates mining sites. Adeyanju, who is part of the 10-member independent committee formed by the federal government, stated that the NSCDC cannot evade responsibility for the miners' deaths.

He also urged that the victims should not merely be labeled as “illegal miners” to avoid obscuring the context of their deaths while in government custody. The miners died following anti-illegal mining operations conducted by the NSCDC on September 15 and 16.