ABUJA, Nigeria — A civil society coalition has sought Deji Adeyanju’s removal from the presidential inquiry into miners’ deaths in Niger State.
The groups appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss the lawyer and activist, alleging that his public remarks raised doubts about his impartiality.
They also said they were prepared to reject the panel’s eventual report if, in their view, the investigation had been compromised.
The request was set out in a statement covered by National Update on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Ogunleye Gbolabo, the national coordinator of the Solid Hands Empowerment Initiative for the Development of Rural Areas, issued the statement for the coalition.
Gbolabo objected to what he described as Adeyanju’s continued comments to journalists and the public before the panel had finished its work.
He said those remarks risked suggesting that conclusions had already been reached.
He urged members to leave communication of the committee’s official position to its chairman and keep the investigation’s work confidential.
The coalition also cautioned against disputes among members being aired publicly, saying they could disrupt the inquiry and cooperation within the committee.
Gbolabo said removing Adeyanju would help preserve confidence in the investigation. The groups said they would await the completed report.
According to Gbolabo, the committee had two weeks to examine the circumstances of the deaths and report its findings to Tinubu.
He urged members to carry out that assignment independently, without outside interference.
