Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has joined the committee investigating the deaths of alleged gold miners in Minna, Niger State, promising to ensure that the truth surrounding the incident is fully established.
Adeyanju said he accepted the appointment to the committee because of the need to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the circumstances behind their deaths are properly investigated.
In a statement released on Saturday, the lawyer said he was invited by the government to represent the interests of the victims during the investigation.
“I have accepted this responsibility and thank the Government for considering me worthy to serve,” Adeyanju said.
However, Adeyanju stated that he would not receive any financial benefit from the assignment, urging the government not to provide stipends or honoraria for members of the committee.
According to him, the investigation should be treated as a national responsibility requiring sacrifice from those involved.
“I urge the Government not to make any monetary provision, stipend or honorarium for members of the committee, as this is a national duty for which we should be prepared to sacrifice,” he said.
The lawyer added that he would personally cover expenses related to his participation, including transportation, accommodation and other logistics.
Adeyanju also warned that he would not support any attempt to compromise the investigation or conceal facts surrounding the deaths.
“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,” he stated.
He further vowed to expose any effort aimed at shielding individuals found responsible or suppressing the outcome of the probe.
“If there is any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, I will expose it,” Adeyanju said.
The human rights lawyer stressed that the victims deserved justice, adding that the investigation must be conducted without interference.
“The victims deserve justice, and the Nigerian factor as we know it must not be allowed to prevail,” he said.
The committee was constituted following the deaths of suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in custody in Niger State, with authorities beginning investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
