Former Military President Denies Mine Ownership, Seeks Justice for 37 Miners

Former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has denied claims that he owns the mining site in Minna linked to the tragic deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners, describing the allegations as false and urging authorities to carry out a comprehensive, independent investigation into the incident.

Babangida said in a statement made available to journalists in Minna on Saturday that the publication claiming he owns the site “is totally false and without foundation.” In the statement, signed on his behalf by Tambari Kagara, Alhaji Danladi Umar Abdulhameed, the former military president categorically debunked the report and demanded that the false impression it created be corrected. The statement added: “It’s on record that General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the Madakin Minna, has lived closely and peacefully with his people since retirement in 1993,” adding that “At 85, what he requires is prayers, not blackmail.”

The former head of state said the focus should remain on establishing the truth surrounding the deaths rather than spreading unverified claims about ownership of the mining site. He stressed that the victims’ families deserve justice and that Nigerians deserve a transparent account of what happened while the miners were in custody.

Babangida’s intervention comes as the Federal Government has already launched a formal investigation into the deaths, which occurred after the miners were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining in Niger State.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that the investigation should be comprehensive and unhindered, covering the circumstances of the arrests, the conditions under which the detainees were held, the medical attention they received and the events leading to their deaths. The Presidency has also emphasized that administrative suspensions must not replace criminal accountability where evidence supports prosecution.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident. The panel has been tasked with determining the identities of the deceased, establishing the cause of death, identifying any negligence or misconduct, and recommending appropriate action and compensation where necessary.

The deaths sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria and triggered violent protests in parts of Niger State, prompting Governor Umar Bago to impose a 24-hour curfew after government buildings, businesses, a bank and political party offices were vandalized.

Babangida warned against politicizing the tragedy through unfounded allegations, saying public attention should remain on accountability and justice. His statement follows growing speculation online that sought to connect him to the disputed mining operation, claims he categorically rejected.

As investigations continue, the controversy has evolved beyond questions of illegal mining into a broader test of transparency, institutional accountability and public trust. The findings of the independent panel are expected to play a crucial role in determining responsibility and restoring confidence in the handling of one of Nigeria’s most disturbing custodial death cases in recent years.