The Delta State Government has set up an eight-member administrative panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. The panel, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Charity Ehimen, will work alongside the ongoing police investigation into the death. The government gave the panel two weeks to establish the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death and make findings that would enable it to address issues arising from the incident within the law.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State branch, has demanded the immediate suspension of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, pending an independent investigation. The rights group made the demand following allegations that Adeda died after an altercation at the state secretariat in Asaba. CDHR described the incident as a matter of public interest requiring thorough investigation, particularly given the allegation that a public servant died following an altercation within a government facility.
According to CDHR, the commissioner and Adeda had an altercation, and personal enforcers tied up, assaulted, and detained the deputy director before he was taken to hospital, where he later died. The group stressed that its allegations must be established through investigation, but argued that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted regardless of political position or official status. The group urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to suspend Ashibogwu pending the investigation's outcome to protect the integrity of the process.
The Delta State Police Command has also commenced a criminal investigation into Adeda's death. One suspect, identified as Lucky Adoh, has reportedly been arrested, while two others, Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine, are being sought. Another suspect has reportedly been arrested in connection with the incident. The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and Adeda's death.
Dr. Ashibogwu has reportedly denied ordering or participating in any assault on Adeda. He reportedly said he was called to the ministry following a distress call concerning Adeda and maintained that he did not order anyone to beat him. The controversy has heightened industrial tension in the state, with workers under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) shutting the entrances to the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba and demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The Delta State Government has commiserated with Adeda's family and assured civil servants of its commitment to workplace safety and to the dignity and sanctity of life. The government set up the administrative panel after consultations between the government and organised labour. The panel's members include the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Mamuzo Erebe, SAN, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among civil servants and labour unions in the state. Key points include the government's decision to set up an administrative panel to investigate Adeda's death, the demand by CDHR for the suspension of Commissioner Ashibogwu, and the commencement of a criminal investigation by the Delta State Police Command.
Key points
- The Delta State Government has set up an eight-member administrative panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death.
- The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has demanded the immediate suspension of Commissioner Ashibogwu pending an independent investigation.
- The Delta State Police Command has commenced a criminal investigation into Adeda's death, with several suspects reportedly arrested or being sought.
