The police in Nigeria's Delta State have arrested the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibogwu, and four others in connection with the death of Unity Adeda, a deputy director in the ministry. According to police spokesperson Bright Edafe, Mr Adeda died after an incident at the commissioner's office, with conflicting accounts emerging over what transpired before his death. The police have launched a manhunt for two other persons described as key suspects in the investigation.
The police initially arrested one Lucky Adoh, who was named in allegations that Mr Adeda was physically assaulted by aides to the commissioner. Two others, Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine, were also named in connection with the allegations, and a manhunt was launched for them. However, in a latest statement, the police said they had taken Mr Ashibogwu and three other suspects into custody, bringing to five the number of people currently held in connection with the investigation.
The police have identified Clemetine Ufuoma, director of Basic and Secondary Education, and Clement Apia, the commissioner's driver, as the two persons currently being sought. The police said the presence of Mrs Ufuoma and Mr Apia was required to further the investigation and urged them to report to the police without delay. Conflicting accounts have emerged around Mr Adeda's death, with workers in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to his death.
Mr Ashibogwu has denied ordering or participating in any assault on Mr Adeda, saying he responded to distress calls concerning Mr Adeda and alleged that the deceased had become violent before their encounter. He urged the public to allow investigators to establish what happened through available evidence. The Nigeria Labour Congress shut the state secretariat in Asaba on Friday as workers demanded an investigation and accountability over the incident.
The Commissioner for Works and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the state government would not sweep the matter under the carpet, adding that its immediate priority was to establish the facts and determine the cause of Mr Adeda's death. He assured workers that necessary action would follow the findings and appealed for restraint. The police will examine available video footage, eyewitness accounts, medical records, and the actions of everyone connected with the incident.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Samuel Erale, directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident. Mr Erale said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding Mr Adeda's death and determine whether anyone was culpable. The police have expressed condolences to Mr Adeda's family and assured them of justice.
The police have reiterated that the investigation will be pursued thoroughly, impartially, and professionally, and due process will be followed. Anyone found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law. The police have urged Mrs Ufuoma and Mr Apia to make themselves available to the police to aid the investigation.
Key points
- The police have arrested five persons, including the Commissioner for Secondary Education, in connection with the death of a deputy director in the ministry.
- Conflicting accounts have emerged around the circumstances of the deputy director's death.
- The state government has assured that the matter will not be swept under the carpet and that necessary action will be taken after the investigation.
