Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has condemned the deaths of 37 suspected miners, including alleged minors, in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.

Adeyanju described the incident as a serious human rights concern and called for the swift prosecution of anyone found responsible for the deaths.

He questioned reports suggesting that the victims died from a disease outbreak, saying such an explanation should not be accepted without an independent, transparent and credible investigation.

Adeyanju asked authorities to establish what happened when the detainees first began falling ill, the medical attention they received and whether adequate evidence existed to support the reported cause of death.

He said anyone found to have contributed to the deaths through unlawful acts, torture, deliberate mistreatment or criminal negligence should be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has ordered the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full-scale investigation into the incident.

The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

The NSCDC has also constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided.

The Corps said the remains had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death. It also clarified that reports linking the deaths to a particular disease had not been medically or scientifically confirmed.

The NSCDC said personnel found to have violated the law, operational procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminal action, where applicable.

Adeyanju urged authorities to ensure that the investigation establishes the circumstances surrounding the deaths and that those found responsible are held accountable.