The family of late Unity Ekuevugbe Adeda, a Deputy Director in Nigeria's Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, is divided over the state government's response to his death. Adeda died in Asaba, the state capital, following an incident at the Examinations and Records Department of the Ministry. Some relatives have rejected a proposed condolence visit and administrative panel of inquiry, while others have welcomed the government's intervention and appealed for justice.
Human rights activists, political groups, and sections of the public are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into Adeda's death. The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, is among those to be investigated in connection with the incident. However, the police said Ashibogwu has not made himself available for questioning.
The police command's spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, stated that efforts to establish Ashibogwu's whereabouts are ongoing. The disclosure has intensified calls for the police to question everyone named in connection with the incident, irrespective of official status. Adeda's brother, Lloyd Sodje Adeda, expressed concerns that the administrative panel comprises only civil servants, without representation from the deceased's family or human rights groups.
Lloyd Adeda stated that the family rejects the proposed condolence visit by the state government and expressed a lack of confidence in the administrative panel. He demanded that the state government make a public statement on the status of Ashibogwu and other suspects before further engagement with the family. The family is particularly concerned that Ashibogwu, described as the "chief prime suspect," has not been brought before the appropriate authorities.
Despite the rejection by some family members, the government delegation visited the deceased's relatives. The delegation was received by Adeda's in-law, Godwin Akamakusi, who appealed to the state government and relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and justice. Akamakusi thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the state government for visiting the family and expressing concern over the incident.
The National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Kehinde Prince Taiga, called on the Delta State Police Command to immediately arrest or secure the attendance of Ashibogwu and other individuals allegedly connected with the incident. The Delta North Senatorial District chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) also demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into Adeda's death.
The Delta State Government has assured the bereaved family that justice will not be perverted. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, led a delegation of senior government officials to the deceased's family to commiserate with them. Emu stated that the state government is deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death and that every life matters to the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Key points
- Delta State government faces demands for impartial probe into Adeda's death
- Family divided over government's response to Adeda's death
- Police investigation into Adeda's death ongoing, with Ashibogwu yet to be questioned
