Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has vowed to resist and expose any attempt to cover up wrongdoing in the investigation into the deaths of suspected gold miners in Minna, Niger State.
Adeyanju made the declaration on Saturday after confirming his appointment to an independent committee constituted by the government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
NPO Report recalls that 37 suspected illegal miners had on Thursday died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger Command.
In a public statement announcing his acceptance of the appointment, the activist said he was joining the committee primarily to represent the interests of the victims and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident were thoroughly established.
Adeyanju said his participation would be guided by the pursuit of justice, warning that he would neither participate in nor tolerate efforts to compromise the investigation.
“I am joining the committee solely to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the truth is established,” he said.
“I will not participate in or tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or cover up wrongdoing.”
The activist also urged the government not to provide committee members with stipends, honoraria or other monetary benefits, describing the assignment as a national responsibility that should be undertaken without financial inducement.
Adeyanju said he would reject any payment offered for his participation and personally bear the cost of his accommodation, transportation and other expenses incurred during the investigation.
According to him, accepting the responsibility without financial compensation would help reinforce the independence expected of those tasked with investigating the incident.
He further warned that any effort to protect individuals found responsible for wrongdoing or prevent relevant information from emerging would be made public.
“If there is any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, I will expose it,” Adeyanju said.
“The victims deserve justice, and the Nigerian factor as we know it must not be allowed to prevail.”
The committee was constituted following the deaths of suspected gold miners in Minna, an incident that has generated public concern and calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding it.
Adeyanju expressed appreciation for his inclusion on the committee and said his role would remain focused on ensuring that the victims’ interests were represented and that the investigation established the facts surrounding their deaths.