The Delta State Police Command has arrested Mrs. Clementina Ojumah, Director of Exams and Standards in the Ministry of Secondary Education, in connection with the death of Mr. Unity Ekwevugbe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the same ministry. This brings the total number of people in police custody over the case to six. Ojumah reportedly surrendered to the police on Tuesday, October 1. Her arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death.
Adeda's home community, Otovwodo in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, took to the streets to protest his death and demand government action. The protesters, who shut down parts of the community, restricting movement and affecting commercial activities, issued the Delta State Government a seven-day ultimatum to take action over Adeda's death. The community's President General, Prince Elvis Oharisi, expressed the community's anger and demanded justice for Adeda.
The police investigation has already led to the arrest of several other individuals, including the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu. Ashibogwu has denied ordering anyone to assault Adeda, claiming he became involved after receiving reports that Adeda had become violent and was threatening people around the office. The police are expected to examine different accounts of the incident, alongside available evidence, including eyewitness statements, video footage, and medical records.
The community has rejected the administrative panel of inquiry set up by the state government, citing a lack of representation from the community and Adeda's family. Oharisi called for immediate administrative action against officials linked to the case while the investigation continues. He also demanded that the governor relieve the commissioner and director of their duties.
The protest in Otovwodo attracted young people in the community, who insisted that the matter must not be allowed to fade away without accountability. The Youth Leader, Umudi Ohwofasa, said the community was prepared to continue pressing for answers. The deceased's family has also continued to demand justice and the prosecution of anyone found to have played a role in his death.
The state government's administrative panel has commenced its work as the police investigation continues. The panel is expected to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while Adeda's family has also been seeking an autopsy as part of efforts to establish the cause of death. The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Erale, has directed that the matter be handled thoroughly and in accordance with due process.
The case has generated tension within the state, particularly among workers in the Ministry of Secondary Education and members of Adeda's community. The police have maintained that the investigation is intended to establish exactly what happened to Adeda and determine whether anyone should be held responsible for his death. The community has given the government seven days to take action, warning that they will not take it lightly if their demands are not met.
Key points
- The Delta State Police Command has arrested six people, including the Director of Exams and Standards, in connection with the death of a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education.
- The community has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to take action over the death.
- The administrative panel of inquiry set up by the state government has been rejected by the community.
