Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Adeyanju also demanded the prosecution of anyone found responsible for the deaths, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly investigated.
In a statement on Friday, Adeyanju described the deaths, which reportedly included minors, as “deeply tragic” and “a sad day for Nigeria.”
He alleged that the deaths could amount to a crime against humanity and insisted that those responsible must face prosecution.
“It is unacceptable that people in State custody should die in such circumstances,” Adeyanju said.
He argued that persons deprived of their liberty were entitled to humane treatment, noting that international humanitarian law imposes fundamental obligations concerning the treatment of people in custody, even during armed conflicts.
Adeyanju also questioned the reported claim that the 37 persons died from a disease outbreak, saying the explanation should not be accepted without an independent investigation.
“The claim that 37 persons died from a disease outbreak must not be accepted without a credible, independent and transparent investigation,” he said.
He raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths, including when the victims first became ill and the medical attention they received.
“What happened when people first began falling ill? What medical attention did they receive? Where is the evidence?” he asked.
Adeyanju said anyone found to have contributed to the deaths through unlawful acts, torture, deliberate mistreatment or criminal negligence should be held accountable.
“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 described the incident as “a truly sad day for Nigeria.”
