Security expert Deyemi Saka has called for investigations into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State to focus on possible negligence and mismanagement.
Saka made the call on Tuesday while speaking during an interview on ARISE News monitored by The News Chronicle.
He said his position was informed by his understanding of the conditions in police holding cells and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“Why I said what I said and to put some things in clear perspective, I just believe I want to stick with negligence and mismanagement of recording of the cell and what have you,” he said.
Saka said his personal experience with conditions inside police holding cells had also shaped his view of the circumstances that could have contributed to the deaths.
“It’s because I have an idea of what it means to probably go there… The residents of that area called in and said the miners stay in that area,” he said.
READ ALSO: UNGA81: Tinubu’s Absence Is Irrelevant If Nigeria Is Represented – Joe Keshi
The security expert further suggested that the circumstances surrounding the arrests might have influenced the way the detainees were treated.
According to him, security personnel could have approached the arrests with the perception that the suspects posed a threat.
“So by the time you are arresting such persons, you’re probably coming with a mindset that they are aggressive, they are hostile, they are violent and they are dangerous,” Saka said.
