Security expert Deyemi Saka has said he wants negligence and mismanagement to remain the focus of investigations into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, Saka said his position was based on his understanding of the conditions in holding cells and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He said, “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.”
Saka also said he had personal experience of conditions inside police holding cells, which informed his view of the possible circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He said, “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.”
According to Saka, the circumstances surrounding the arrests could also have influenced how the detainees were treated.
He said, “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.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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