Alleged Miners’ Deaths: Adeyanju Rejects Disease Outbreak Claim, Demands Probe 

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the reported death of 37 suspected miners, including minors, while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

Adeyanju described the incident as “a crime against humanity” and called for the immediate prosecution of anyone found responsible for the deaths.

In a statement on Friday, Adeyanju said the deaths represented a tragic development and a “sad day for Nigeria,” stressing that people held in state custody should not die under such circumstances.

“The death of 37 suspected miners, including reportedly minors, in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna is deeply tragic and a sad day for Nigeria,” he said.

“This is a crime against humanity and perpetrators must face prosecution swiftly. It is unacceptable that people in State custody should die in such circumstances.”

Adeyanju further argued that even during armed conflicts, international humanitarian law provides for the humane treatment of persons deprived of their liberty.

“Even in times of war, international humanitarian law imposes fundamental obligations concerning the humane treatment of persons deprived of their liberty,” he said.

The lawyer also rejected any attempt to attribute the deaths solely to a reported disease outbreak without an independent investigation capable of establishing what actually happened.

He said the circumstances surrounding the deaths raised questions about the response of authorities when those in custody began falling ill.

“The claim that 37 persons died from a disease outbreak must not be accepted without a credible, independent and transparent investigation,” Adeyanju stated.

He asked authorities to establish what happened when the detainees first began showing signs of illness and whether they received appropriate medical attention.

“What happened when people first began falling ill? What medical attention did they receive? Where is the evidence?” he queried.

Adeyanju said individuals found to have contributed to the deaths must be held accountable, whether their actions amounted to unlawful conduct, torture, deliberate mistreatment or criminal negligence.

“Those responsible for this senseless killing of Nigerians, whether through unlawful acts, torture, deliberate mistreatment or criminal negligence, must be held accountable,” he said.

He reiterated that the incident required urgent attention, describing it as “a truly sad day for Nigeria.”