Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has vowed to expose any attempt to conceal the truth surrounding the deaths of 37 alleged illegal miners in Minna, Niger State.

Adeyanju made the declaration on Saturday while accepting his appointment as a member of the independent committee set up to investigate the deaths.

The activist lawyer thanked the government for considering him for the committee, saying he accepted the assignment primarily to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are fully established.

In a statement, Adeyanju said his participation on the committee would be focused on ensuring that the victims receive justice.“I have accepted this responsibility and thank the Government for considering me worthy to serve.

I am joining the committee solely to protect the interests of the victims and ensure that the truth is established,” he said.Adeyanju also urged the government not to provide stipends, honoraria or other monetary benefits to members of the investigative committee.

According to him, the investigation should be treated as a national assignment, requiring members to make personal sacrifices in the interest of justice.“I urge the Government not to make any monetary provision, stipend or honorarium for members of the committee, as this is a national duty for which we should be prepared to sacrifice,” he stated.

The lawyer said he would personally cover his accommodation, transportation and other expenses incurred while carrying out his responsibilities.“I will not accept any such payment, and I will not participate in or tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or cover up wrongdoing,” Adeyanju added.

He further warned that he would expose any attempt to shield those responsible for the deaths or suppress relevant findings from the public.“If there is any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, I will expose it.

The victims deserve justice, and the Nigerian factor as we know it must not be allowed to prevail,” he said.The Federal Government recently announced an investigation into the deaths of the miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.