Human rights activist and critic, Deji Adeyanju, has been included in the independent committee set up to investigate the deaths of about 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Adeyanju, who disclosed this in a public statement, said he had accepted the invitation to serve on the committee to ensure that the interests of the victims were adequately represented and that the truth surrounding their deaths was established.
He expressed appreciation to the government for considering him worthy of the responsibility, stressing that his participation would be solely focused on securing justice for the victims.
The activist also urged the government not to provide monetary allowances, stipends or honoraria for members of the committee, describing the assignment as a national duty that required sacrifice.
He said he would not accept any payment for his participation and would personally cover his hotel, transportation and other expenses.
Adeyanju further pledged not to participate in or tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or conceal wrongdoing.
He warned that he would expose any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, insisting that the victims deserved justice.
“The Nigerian factor as we know it must not be allowed to prevail,” he said.
