Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has accepted his appointment to the Federal Government’s independent committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

Adeyanju said he accepted the responsibility to ensure that the interests of the victims are represented and that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are properly established.

The Federal Government announced the 10-member independent committee on Saturday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.

The committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrest, detention and the cause and circumstances of their deaths. It is also mandated to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable.

Adeyanju, in a statement on Saturday, said his participation would be focused on representing the interests of the victims.

“I have accepted this responsibility and thank the Government for considering me worthy to serve. I am joining the committee solely to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the truth is established.”

He also asked the government not to provide members of the committee with stipends, monetary provisions or honoraria, describing the assignment as a national duty.

“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.”

Adeyanju said he would personally cover his accommodation, transportation and other expenses incurred during the assignment.

He further warned that he would speak out if there was any attempt to interfere with the investigation.

“If there is any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, I will expose it. The victims deserve justice, and the Nigerian factor as we know it must not be allowed to prevail.”

The deaths have generated public concern and protests in Minna, with questions raised over the conditions under which the detainees were held and the circumstances leading to their deaths.

The NSCDC initially said the detainees died following a suspected disease outbreak, while survivors and other accounts raised concerns about overcrowding and poor ventilation. The actual cause of death remains subject to investigation, and the Federal Government’s committee is expected to establish what happened.

The committee includes former DSS official Jonathan Kure, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Professor Olayinka Buhari, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government, Miners Association of Nigeria National Secretary Liman Sulaiman, journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino, public affairs analyst George Agbakahi, and Adeyanju.

The Federal Government said the committee may invite additional experts, access relevant documents and facilities, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.

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