CSOs Ask Tinubu to Remove Adeyanju from Niger Miners’ Death Probe Panel

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called on President Bola Tinubu to remove human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju from the Federal Government committee investigating the deaths of 37 people detained over suspected illegal mining in Niger State.

The demand was contained in a statement issued by the National Coordinator of the Solid Hands Empowerment Initiative for the Development of Rural Areas, Comrade Ogunleye Gbolabo, on behalf of the coalition.

Gbolabo alleged that Adeyanju’s public comments since his appointment could undermine the neutrality and credibility of the investigation.

The Federal Government constituted the 10-member independent committee following President Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the deaths of the detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.

According to the coalition, members of such an investigative panel should exercise restraint, confidentiality and professionalism while the inquiry is ongoing.

It criticised Adeyanju for granting media interviews and making public statements on the incident, arguing that such comments could create perceptions of bias and pre-empt the committee’s findings.

Adeyanju had publicly said the NSCDC could not escape responsibility for the deaths and pledged to expose any attempt to cover up wrongdoing. He has also said he joined the committee to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the truth is established.

Gbolabo said the coalition believed public pronouncements by a serving member could undermine confidence in the committee’s eventual report and create tension among stakeholders.

The coalition therefore urged Tinubu to remove Adeyanju from the panel, saying the step would help protect the integrity and public credibility of the investigation.

It also called on all members of the committee to remain professional and focused on establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The coalition said it would await the committee’s findings but warned that civil society groups could challenge the report if there was evidence that the investigative process had been compromised.

The Federal Government has said the committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances of their arrest and detention, determine the cause of their deaths and identify any responsibility, negligence or misconduct.