The Delta State Police Command has detained the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, and four other persons as part of its investigation into the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education. This move comes amid growing public attention and demands for a transparent investigation into the events preceding Adeda's death. The police have intensified efforts to locate two key suspects, Mrs Clementine Ufuoma, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, and Clement Apia, driver to the Commissioner for Secondary Education.
The latest development brings to five the number of persons currently in police custody in connection with the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death. The police have announced a manhunt for Ufuoma and Apia, describing their presence as required in furtherance of the investigation. The command has urged both suspects to make themselves available to investigators without further delay. This comes as civil servants and organised labour continue to demand clarity on the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death and assurances over the safety of workers in government establishments.
Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, has reiterated that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, impartially and professionally. He assured the deceased's family and members of the public that due process would be followed and anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law. The command's heartfelt condolences go to the deceased's family. The police investigation is proceeding separately from an administrative inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death.
The Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry, in consultation with organised labour, to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death. The panel, chaired by Mrs Charity Ehimen, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, was given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings to enable the government to take appropriate action within the law. Its membership includes senior government officials and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Joint Negotiating Council.
Adeda's death has triggered concerns within Delta's public service and among organised labour following an incident at the Ministry of Secondary Education in Asaba. While allegations of assault have emerged, questions surrounding what occurred before his death prompted demands for an investigation. The incident led to a protest by civil servants at the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba and a subsequent closed-door meeting between government officials and labour leaders over the death.
The police have maintained that the investigation will be conducted without favour or interference and that anyone found culpable will face the law. With five persons now in police custody and two others being sought for questioning, investigators are expected to establish the sequence of events surrounding Adeda's death and determine whether any individual bears criminal responsibility. The police are working to uncover the circumstances that led to Adeda's death.
The investigation into Adeda's death is ongoing, with the police working to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The outcome of the investigation is expected to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death and ensure that justice is served.
Key points
- The Delta State Police Command has detained five persons, including the Commissioner for Secondary Education, as part of its investigation into the death of a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education.
- The police are seeking two other suspects, Mrs Clementine Ufuoma and Clement Apia, in connection with the investigation.
- The investigation is being conducted thoroughly, impartially and professionally, with the aim of bringing anyone found culpable to justice.
