The Federal Government has appointed human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Professor Isa Hayatu Ciroma and eight others to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the 10-member independent committee on Saturday, September 19, 2026, saying the move followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a “comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation” into the incident, which occurred on September 17.
The committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Professor Isa Hayatu Ciroma, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Professor Olayinka Buhari, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria Liman Sulaiman, Blueprint Newspaper’s Zainab Suleiman Okino, and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.
The panel is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate their arrests and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths, and establish responsibility, negligence or misconduct. It will also recommend appropriate action and compensation where applicable.
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
Adeyanju has accepted the appointment, saying he joined the committee to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the truth is established. He also said he would not accept any payment, stipend or honorarium for the assignment.
He said:
“I am joining the committee solely to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the truth is established.”
Adeyanju also warned that he would expose any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the findings of the investigation.
The Federal Government had earlier suspended 20 NSCDC officers and the Niger State Commandant of the Corps pending the outcome of the investigation.
The appointment has generated reactions online, with some Nigerians welcoming Adeyanju’s inclusion while others expressed doubts about whether the investigation would lead to accountability.
@FidelGreat51602: The case will later be swept under the carpet just watch and see
@flaubert__: Dey don give this one gig 😄
@Mansaah_Musa: I no understand o, wetin dey happen for here. No be Sowore lawyer be this?
@Ishaku__Audu: Always Committee over a Committee, hope this is different from the previous ones.
@Nonyp5: Will he accept or decline. I’m waiting for him to sing praises on BAT administration soon.
@0mobola0duntan: Finally baba don settle collect gig from Tinubu .
@Ozongodogo: How much is the sitting allowance?
@mobrinx_crypt: 😹😹😹 Contract at last… all that twerking paid off. Congratulations, Adeyanju
@gidibamshop: Power of VDM…
@CCO1030509: He don collect gig finally.
@NjokuChima19: Someone once said these guys work for FG
@BulusPaul9: Last minute appointment 😱
@AnyanwuVic36625: Let’s see what Sowore will say.
