The Urhobo Progress Union Worldwide has called for a transparent investigation into the death of Mr. Unity Adeda, a deputy director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education. The union, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Kehinde Taiga, demanded that all relevant evidence be preserved, witnesses protected, and anyone found culpable prosecuted. This comes as the Delta State police command widens its probe into the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death.
The police had earlier arrested one of the persons named in the complaint, Lucky Adoh, while Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine were declared wanted. The command said investigators would examine video footage, eyewitness accounts, medical records, and other available evidence to establish what happened. The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, assured the deceased's family that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, impartially, and professionally.
The union's demands follow the decision by the Delta State police command to take the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, and four others into custody. The police also declared the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Clementine Ufuoma, and the commissioner's driver, Clement Apia, wanted for questioning. The latest development followed an earlier police investigation into an incident at the Ministry of Secondary Education in Asaba, after which allegations emerged that Adeda was physically assaulted.
The Urhobo Progress Union Worldwide stressed that the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death required an investigation "without fear or favour." The union urged the state government and security agencies to ensure that the investigation was not compromised. It also cautioned against prejudging anyone connected with the case, emphasizing that every person accused must be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has constituted an administrative panel to examine the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death. The government has said the administrative inquiry would work alongside the police investigation and would not interfere with the criminal probe. This move is aimed at ensuring a comprehensive examination of the incident.
A public analyst, Sammy Afamefune Anukwu, has weighed in on the issue, saying workplace disputes involving public servants should be handled through established disciplinary procedures. Anukwu argued that physical assault is never an option and called for the investigation of everyone whose actions may have contributed to the incident. He emphasized the need for a formal query, an opportunity to respond, and, where necessary, investigation and disciplinary action.
The investigation into Adeda's death is ongoing, with the police and administrative panel working to establish the facts surrounding the incident. The Urhobo Progress Union Worldwide and other stakeholders are calling for a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that justice is served. The incident has sparked concerns about workplace safety and the need for effective mechanisms to handle disputes and allegations of assault in the public sector.
Key points
- The Urhobo Progress Union Worldwide demands a transparent investigation into the death of Unity Adeda.
- The Delta State police command has taken several individuals into custody and declared others wanted for questioning.
- An administrative panel has been constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death.
