Nigerian media personality, Rufai Oseni, has expressed doubts about the outcome of the government’s investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Oseni questioned the transparency and effectiveness of an investigation conducted by government agencies, insisting that an independent probe would be necessary to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The incident has generated widespread outrage across Nigeria, with calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the cause of the miners’ deaths, the conditions of their detention, and the identities of those connected to the mining operation.
The NSCDC had explained that the detainees died following a suspected disease outbreak. The corps also stated that the bodies were deposited at the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.
Speaking during Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Oseni welcomed the call for an investigation but expressed concern that a probe conducted solely by government agencies might not produce meaningful results.
“I welcome the need for investigations, but the fact remains that if the investigations are carried out by government agencies, nothing will come out of them,” he said.
The media personality also questioned the individuals and financial interests behind the mining operation, stressing the need to identify the owners of the mining site where the suspected illegal miners were arrested.
“My question is, who are the people involved in this mining? Because it takes people with substantial financial resources to engage in mining. Who owns the mining site?” Oseni asked.
Deji Adeyanju Demands Transparent Investigation
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has warned against any attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners.
Adeyanju made the remarks on Monday while speaking during Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
According to the human rights lawyer, the investigation must go beyond examining the allegations against the individuals who were arrested. He insisted that the committee responsible for investigating the incident should establish the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ arrest, detention, and eventual deaths.
Adeyanju further maintained that the investigation should identify the owner of the mining site where the suspects were arrested.
He argued that mining sites are allocated by the government and that the committee must therefore determine who was responsible for the site in question.
The lawyer’s position reinforces calls for accountability and transparency, particularly regarding the ownership of the mining operation, the conduct of the security agencies involved, and the events that preceded the deaths of the detainees.
As public concern continues to grow, the outcome of the investigation is expected to provide clarity on the cause of the deaths and establish responsibility where wrongdoing is confirmed.