Niger Miners’ D**ths: Rufai Oseni Questions What Government Investigation Will Achieve

Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has expressed scepticism about the likely outcome of the government-led 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.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Oseni made the comments during Arise Television’s “Morning Show” on Monday while discussing the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the calls for an independent investigation.

The 37 detainees died on September 17, 2026, after they were arrested during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State. The NSCDC initially said the deaths followed a suspected disease outbreak, while noting that medical examinations were expected to establish the actual cause of death.

The incident has since generated public concern, with President Bola Tinubu directing a full and transparent investigation. The Federal Government subsequently constituted a 10-member independent committee and suspended the Niger State NSCDC commandant alongside 20 other officers pending the outcome of the probe.

Reacting to the development, Oseni said he welcomed the call for an investigation but questioned whether a probe conducted by government agencies would produce meaningful results.

He also raised questions about the individuals behind the mining operations, noting that mining activities require significant financial resources and asking who owned the site where the suspects were arrested.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has called for the investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention and deaths of the 37 people. Adeyanju, who is a member of the Federal Government’s 10-member independent committee, also said the panel should determine who owned the mine where the suspects were arrested.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, with authorities yet to establish the definitive cause of death. The Federal Government has directed the committee to examine the identities of the deceased, their arrests and detention, the cause and circumstances of their deaths, and any responsibility or negligence involved.

Oseni’s comments have added to the wider public debate over how the deaths should be investigated and whether the process will provide clear answers and accountability for the families of those who died in custody.