The family of Unity Adeda, a 54-year-old Deputy Director in Delta civil service, is seeking an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Adeda's elder brother, Oghenevwogaga Adede, made the call, narrating how Adeda died after being allegedly assaulted and injured in the office of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education. Adeda, a father of four, had served as Chief Inspector of Education for Isoko South for about four years.
According to Oghenevwogaga, Adeda was "brutally and mercilessly beaten up, tied up, injured, plus all the dehumanising actions meted out to him" in the ministry office. He alleged that Adeda was taken to hospital for treatment, but his condition was serious, and medical personnel struggled to administer intravenous treatment. Adeda initially returned home to rest but was later taken back to hospital, where he died on Friday morning.
Oghenevwogaga stated that Adeda was on annual leave when he was invited to the ministry, and the family had yet to establish what actually transpired. Adeda narrated the alleged assault to some family members, including his brother, Oberhiri, and sister, Mrs Ovwigho Asua. The family received photographs showing Adeda with a swollen face, indicating the extent of the alleged assault.
The family has formally petitioned the Commissioner of Police (CP), Samuel Erale, who pleaded for time to conduct a thorough investigation. Oghenevwogaga expressed concern over the administrative panel constituted by the State Government, comprising civil servants without family representation or a neutral figure. He suggested that a human rights activist should have been included in the panel.
Oghenevwogaga commended the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress for their moves to take action but urged authorities to ensure that the investigation produced justice. He said that the deceased had served for about four years as Chief Inspector of Education for Isoko South, with a field office at Oleh, and resided in Ozoro while working in Isoko South.
The state Police Command said it had arrested a suspect, Lucky Adoh, in connection with Adeda's death. The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement, adding that the command had taken note of allegations suggesting that Adeda was beaten by the commissioner's aides, identified as Enos Attah, Oputa Okestine, and Lucky Adoh.
The CP ordered the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident. The CP assured the family of the deceased and the public that the command would neither shield nor spare anyone found culpable, irrespective of status or position, and that the investigation would be conducted professionally, transparently, and without interference.
Key points
- The family of late Unity Adeda demands an independent investigation into his death.
- Adeda was allegedly assaulted and injured in the Delta Ministry of Education office.
- The police have arrested one suspect and are manhunting others in connection with Adeda's death.
