Niger Mining Tragedy: Adeyanju Joins Federal Probe, Refuses Stipend Or Honorarium

Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has accepted an invitation to join the Federal Government committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, while announcing that he will not receive any payment for his participation.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Adeyanju disclosed the decision on Saturday through a statement shared on his X handle. He said he agreed to serve on the committee primarily to ensure that the interests of the deceased are represented and that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are properly established.

Adeyanju said he would not accept any stipend, honorarium or other financial benefit connected to his membership of the panel. He also stated that he would personally cover expenses relating to his accommodation, transportation and other costs arising from his participation.

The lawyer urged the Federal Government not to make financial provisions for members of the committee, describing the assignment as a national responsibility. He also said he would not tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or conceal wrongdoing.

Adeyanju further warned that he would publicly raise the alarm if efforts were made to shield anyone found responsible or suppress relevant findings from the investigation.

The Federal Government had constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners, who were reportedly arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, serves as secretary.

Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Liman Sulaiman; Blueprint Newspaper’s Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.

The panel is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine the causes of death.

It will also investigate whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or other forms of wrongdoing contributed to the deaths and make recommendations on appropriate action, including compensation where considered necessary.

The committee has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.