Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni has questioned the credibility of any investigation conducted by government agencies into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, describing such a probe as a potential cover-up.
Oseni made the assertion on Monday during Arise Television’s Morning Show, while reacting to calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the incident.
The 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The deaths have generated widespread concern, with calls from different quarters for authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine responsibility.
The NSCDC had attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, saying the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.
Reacting to the development, Oseni said he supported the idea of an investigation but questioned whether a probe conducted by government agencies could produce credible findings.
READ ALSO:81st UNGA: Shettima Arrives New York, Vows To Advance Nigeria’s Interest
“I welcome the need for investigations, but the fact remains that if the investigations are carried out by government agencies, nothing will come out of them,” he said.
The broadcaster also questioned the identities and financial interests of those behind the mining activities that led to the arrests.
“My question is, who are the people involved in this mining? Because it takes people with substantial financial resources to engage in mining. Who owns the mining site?” he asked.
Oseni’s comments come amid growing demands for greater transparency over the deaths, particularly regarding the circumstances of the miners’ arrest, their detention conditions and the events that preceded their deaths.
The government has already initiated investigations into the incident, while authorities continue to face pressure to establish the facts surrounding the deaths.