Adeyanju Rejects Payment for Niger Miners’ Probe, Vows to Expose Any Cover-Up - Newstrends
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Adeyanju Rejects Payment for Niger Miners’ Probe, Vows to Expose Any Cover-Up

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2 months ago

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Adeyanju Faults Okpebholo’s Governance, Commends Edo Anti-Kidnapping Efforts
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju

Adeyanju Rejects Payment for Niger Miners’ Probe, Vows to Expose Any Cover-Up

Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has rejected any payment, stipend or honorarium for his participation in the Federal Government’s investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody in Niger State, describing the assignment as a national duty.

Adeyanju, who was appointed to the 10-member independent committee constituted by the Federal Government, said he accepted the role primarily to ensure that the interests of the victims are represented and that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are fully established.

Adeyanju urged the government not to make any financial provision for members of the committee, saying he would personally pay for his accommodation, transportation and other expenses arising from his participation in the investigation.

He also pledged not to tolerate any attempt to compromise the process, suppress evidence or shield anyone found responsible for the deaths.

Adeyanju warned that any attempt to protect those responsible or suppress the truth would be exposed, stressing that the victims deserved justice.

His position came shortly after the Federal Government established the 10-member independent committee following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident.

The committee is chaired by retired Department of State Services (DSS) Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.

Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma, Professor Olayinka Buhari, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government, Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.

The panel has been directed to establish the identities of the deceased and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths. It is also expected to determine whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or other wrongdoing contributed to the incident and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable.

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The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. It has also been authorised to access relevant documents and facilities, visit locations connected to the incident, receive memoranda from members of the public and co-opt experts where necessary.

The government has separately suspended 20 NSCDC officers in connection with the deaths, in addition to the earlier suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The deaths occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

The exact number of people held before the deaths has become part of the controversy, with conflicting accounts emerging over the number of detainees and the conditions in which they were held.

The cause of death remains officially unresolved.

The NSCDC initially said a suspected disease outbreak might have been responsible and that the bodies were sent for medical examination. However, survivors have provided accounts suggesting that overcrowding and poor ventilation may have contributed to the deaths.

One survivor, Dauda Shehu, reportedly said detainees were packed into a poorly ventilated cell and that those inside began struggling to breathe before some of them collapsed. He also alleged that detainees called for help as the situation deteriorated.

Another survivor reportedly alleged that a substance resembling perfume was sprayed inside the cell shortly before detainees began experiencing difficulties. The allegation has not been independently established and remains among the issues that investigators will have to examine.

The conflicting accounts have heightened demands for an independent determination of the cause and circumstances of the deaths, rather than reliance on preliminary explanations.

The incident has also triggered public protests in Minna, the Niger State capital, with residents demanding answers and accountability over the deaths. Security authorities moved to contain the unrest, while a curfew was imposed following disturbances.

The Federal Government has called for calm and said that anyone found culpable would face appropriate consequences, while insisting that the investigation should be allowed to establish the facts before conclusions are reached.

The government’s response has also included efforts to preserve potential evidence connected to the incident, while the suspended NSCDC personnel remain subject to investigation.

The deaths have generated broader concerns about custodial conditions, treatment of detainees and accountability within security agencies, alongside the government’s continuing campaign against illegal mining.

Illegal mining remains a major challenge in several parts of Nigeria, with authorities raising concerns about environmental degradation, loss of government revenue and the activities of criminal networks associated with illegal mining operations.

However, the investigation into the Niger State deaths is focused specifically on what happened to the people after they were arrested and placed in NSCDC custody.

For Adeyanju, the priority is to ensure that the committee’s work is not compromised by political, institutional or financial considerations.

His decision to reject payment means he will participate without accepting a stipend or honorarium from the government, while personally covering expenses associated with his role.

The committee’s findings are expected to address the conditions under which the detainees were held, the medical attention they received, the events immediately preceding the deaths, the precise cause of death and whether any individual or institution bears responsibility.

Until those findings are released, the circumstances surrounding the 37 deaths in NSCDC custody remain subject to investigation.

Adeyanju has said he will use his position on the committee to represent the victims’ interests and oppose any attempt to suppress the truth as the Federal Government seeks to determine what led to the tragedy and whether anyone should be held accountable.

Adeyanju Rejects Payment for Niger Miners’ Probe, Vows to Expose Any Cover-Up

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Kogi: Troops Destroy Kidnappers’ Hideout, Recover 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition, Six Motorcycles

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11 hours ago

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November 3, 2026

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Kogi: Troops Destroy Kidnappers’ Hideout, Recover 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition, Six Motorcycles
Kogi: Troops Destroy Kidnappers’ Hideout, Recover 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition, Six Motorcycles

Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Edimogbo Forest, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, recovering 1,000 rounds of ammunition, six motorcycles and other items during an offensive operation.

The operation, according to the Army, followed credible human intelligence indicating that suspected kidnappers were hiding in the forest.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the troops recovered a substantial cache of ammunition and other materials from the criminal camp.

Anele explained that the suspected criminals opened fire to alert other members of their group after sighting the advancing troops before fleeing into the forest.

She said the soldiers immediately pursued the fleeing suspects deep into the forest, but were unable to establish contact with them.

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“The troops immediately pursued the fleeing criminals deep into the forest, but no contact was made. The troops, however, destroyed the criminal camp, including all supportive structures,” she stated.

According to the Army spokesperson, the recovered items included 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, seven bandoliers, two shovels, a hand pump, a mobile phone, a Glo modem and six motorcycles.

Other items recovered from the hideout included soap, a jerrycan containing petrol, clothing and pairs of shoes.

The Army said troops were still combing the forest and surrounding areas in an effort to track down the fleeing suspects.

The operation forms part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts, disrupt the activities of suspected kidnappers and improve security across Kogi State.

The recovery of the ammunition and motorcycles is expected to provide further intelligence on the activities and possible movements of the suspected criminal group.

However, the Army did not disclose whether any arrests had been made in connection with the operation as of the time of the announcement.

Kogi: Troops Destroy Kidnappers’ Hideout, Recover 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition, Six Motorcycles

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Nasarawa: Suspected Kidnapper Arrested While Collecting N200,000 Ransom

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11 hours ago

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November 3, 2026

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Nasarawa: Suspected Kidnapper Arrested While Collecting N200,000 Ransom
Mukaila Iliyasu
Nasarawa: Suspected Kidnapper Arrested While Collecting N200,000 Ransom

Troops of the Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected kidnapper while allegedly collecting a ₦200,000 ransom from a female resident of Nasarawa State.

The suspect, identified as Mukaila Iliyasu, was apprehended at Akwaba in Eggon Local Government Area during an intelligence-led operation involving troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, and DSS personnel.

The arrest followed intelligence reports that Iliyasu had allegedly threatened to abduct a woman unless she paid him ₦200,000.

The Acting Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, confirmed the arrest in a statement.

According to the statement, DSS operatives alerted the military to the alleged threat on October 29, prompting a coordinated operation to track down the suspect and prevent the planned abduction.

As part of the operation, a soldier reportedly went undercover and posed as the person assigned to deliver the ransom.

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The security operatives subsequently arrested Iliyasu while he was allegedly collecting the money.

They also recovered ₦200,000, believed to be the ransom demanded from the intended victim.

The military described the operation as a successful intelligence-led intervention that prevented a possible kidnapping, highlighting the importance of cooperation among security agencies in tackling criminal activities.

Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke and General Officer Commanding 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Kolo Gara, commended the troops and DSS operatives for their professionalism, courage and effective coordination during the operation.

Gara urged security personnel to sustain their collaboration and strengthen intelligence sharing to tackle kidnapping and other security threats across their areas of responsibility.

He also stressed the importance of continued inter-agency cooperation in protecting lives, safeguarding communities and maintaining peace across the region.

 

Nasarawa: Suspected Kidnapper Arrested While Collecting N200,000 Ransom

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US-Convicted Osun Monarch Drags Adeleke to Court, Moves to Stop Appointment of Successor

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12 hours ago

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November 3, 2026

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US-Convicted Osun Monarch Drags Adeleke to Court, Moves to Stop Appointment of Successor
The deposed Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede
US-Convicted Osun Monarch Drags Adeleke to Court, Moves to Stop Appointment of Successor

The deposed Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has instituted a legal action against Governor Ademola Adeleke, seeking to stop the state government from appointing a new traditional ruler to replace him.

Oloyede, who was removed from the throne following his conviction for fraud-related offences in the United States, is challenging the legality of his deposition and asking an Osun State High Court to prevent the government from filling the vacant stool pending the determination of his suit.

The former monarch is listed as the second claimant in suit number HIF/50/2026, filed before the High Court sitting in Ile-Ife.

In a motion on notice dated September 16, 2026, Oloyede sought an interlocutory injunction restraining Adeleke and other government officials from taking steps to appoint another person as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu until the substantive case is determined.

He argued that the state government failed to formally notify him of any wrongdoing or give him an opportunity to respond before taking the decision to remove him from the traditional institution.

The monarch also challenged an instrument reportedly signed by Adeleke on May 7, 2026, which formalised his removal from the throne.

Oloyede maintained that the process leading to his deposition violated his right to fair hearing, insisting that he was not given an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations before the government acted.

Other claimants in the suit include Princes Oyewusi Adewusi, Isaac Adewuni and Abiodun Oyetoro. They instituted the action on behalf of themselves and other members of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House of Ipetumodu.

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The defendants include Governor Adeleke, the Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Afolabi Adedeji, the Asalu of Ipetumodu and head of the kingmakers, Chief Adesoye Babalola, the Malefon of Ipetumodu, and Ife North Local Government.

The latest court proceedings took place on Monday, November 2, 2026, but the hearing could not proceed because of disagreements over the service of hearing notices on the defendants.

Only counsel to the claimants, O. Ogbewe, and counsel representing the fifth defendant, Soji Oyetayo, appeared before the court.

Ogbewe informed the court that the defendants had been served with the relevant court processes.

However, Oyetayo disputed the claim, telling the court that he had not received the hearing notice. He consequently requested an adjournment to allow proper service on all parties.

In his ruling, Justice Dapo Adeniji adjourned the matter until January 21, 2027, directing that fresh hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants.

The legal battle follows Oloyede’s conviction by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio over his involvement in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving COVID-19 relief funds.

The former monarch was sentenced to 56 months’ imprisonment on August 26, 2025, after pleading guilty to offences involving wire fraud, filing false tax returns and conducting financial transactions involving proceeds of criminal activity.

The US court also ordered him to pay approximately $4.4 million in restitution.

Following the conviction, the Osun State Government initiated steps that culminated in his removal from the traditional stool.

Adeleke approved the deposition in May 2026 after the state government obtained a certified true copy of the American court judgment.

The administration said the decision was necessary to protect the integrity of the traditional institution and subsequently declared the Apetumodu stool vacant.

However, Oloyede’s latest court action challenges the procedure adopted by the state government, particularly the circumstances surrounding his removal and the proposed appointment of a successor.

The outcome of the case could determine whether the state government’s action withstands judicial scrutiny and whether the process of installing a new Apetumodu can proceed without further legal complications.

For now, the traditional stool remains at the centre of a legal dispute, with the court expected to resume proceedings on January 21, 2027.

 

US-Convicted Osun Monarch Drags Adeleke to Court, Moves to Stop Appointment of Successor

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