Adeyanju Demands Probe Into Deaths Of 37 Miners

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, describing the incident as a grave tragedy that requires urgent and transparent investigation.

Adeyanju, in a statement, said the reported deaths, including allegations that some of the victims were minors, represented a deeply troubling development, insisting that anyone found responsible must face prosecution.

The victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested during NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna on September 15 and 16, 2026. The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while the remains were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.

However, the NSCDC national headquarters has said that the specific cause of death has not been established and that a high-powered investigative team has been constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the conditions of detention and medical attention provided to the suspects.

Adeyanju questioned the circumstances leading to the deaths and called for an independent and transparent investigation into what happened after the suspects began falling ill.

According to him, the claim of a disease outbreak should not be accepted as the final explanation without credible evidence.

He asked: “What happened when people first began falling ill? What medical attention did they receive? Where is the evidence?”

Adeyanju further argued that persons held in State custody are entitled to humane treatment and protection, stressing that the circumstances surrounding their deaths must be thoroughly investigated.

He said those found to have contributed to the deaths through unlawful acts, torture, deliberate mistreatment or criminal negligence should be held accountable through due process.

The development has already triggered official action. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago confirmed the deaths, announced an inquiry into the incident and disclosed the suspension of the state NSCDC commandant. The state government also declared three days of mourning for the victims.

Adeyanju described the incident as “a truly sad day for Nigeria,” urging authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are established and that accountability follows from the findings of the investigation.