Chris Iyovwaye, the 2027 Delta State governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress, has called for a full, transparent, and impartial investigation into the death of a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education, Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda. Iyovwaye made the call in a statement issued on Saturday, September 26, 2026, while condoling with Adeda’s family, colleagues, and the state civil service community. Adeda reportedly died following an incident at the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu.
According to the statement, the Delta State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and arrested one suspect, Lucky Adoh, while it is searching for two others, Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine. The police are expected to examine available video footage, eyewitness accounts, and medical records as part of the investigation. Iyovwaye said the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death were “deeply troubling” and required an independent investigation to establish what happened.
The incident occurred inside the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education and the Examinations division before Adeda tragically passed away at the Asaba Specialist Hospital. Iyovwaye said the Nigeria Labour Congress, through its Delta State Chairman, Goodluck Ofobruku, had demanded that anyone found responsible for the alleged assault be brought to book before workers could regain confidence in returning to their workplaces. This demand led to union members locking down the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat complex in Asaba on Friday.
The governorship candidate, however, cautioned against reaching conclusions before the investigation was completed. He said Commissioner Ashibogwu had denied ordering or participating in any assault, adding that the commissioner’s account should be tested against available evidence. Iyovwaye urged the Delta State Police Command to conduct its investigation without fear, favour, or political interference.
Iyovwaye also called on the state government to cooperate with the investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable. He further urged the Head of Service and other relevant authorities to protect civil servants who witnessed the incident from intimidation or reprisals. Iyovwaye emphasized that government offices must be places where workers can perform their duties without fear.
Iyovwaye called for calm, saying the investigation should be allowed to establish the facts. He appealed to all Deltans to remain calm and allow the investigation to establish the facts, adding that where wrongdoing is established, the law must take its course without fear or favour. He said Adeda’s family deserved the truth, while his colleagues deserved justice and civil servants deserved assurance that their lives and dignity were protected.
Iyovwaye prayed for the repose of Adeda’s soul. The investigation is ongoing, and the Delta State Police Command is yet to release further details. Iyovwaye’s call for a transparent investigation has been echoed by various stakeholders, who are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the probe.
Key points
- Chris Iyovwaye calls for a full, transparent, and impartial investigation into the death of Deputy Director Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.
- The Delta State Police Command has commenced an investigation and arrested one suspect, Lucky Adoh, while searching for two others.
- Iyovwaye urges calm and cooperation with the investigation to ensure accountability and justice for Adeda’s family and colleagues.
