The Delta State Police Command has arrested one suspect and launched a manhunt for two others in connection with the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education.
Adeda died following an incident at the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, in Asaba.
The police said they had received allegations that Adeda was beaten by three aides to the commissioner identified as Enos Attah, Oputa Okestine and Lucky Adoh.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command said Lucky Adoh had been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend Attah and Okestine.
The development followed reports surrounding the circumstances of Adeda’s death after an incident at the state secretariat. The exact circumstances leading to the death, including whether the alleged assault caused it, are subject to police investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Erale, has directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and the subsequent death of the deputy director.
According to the police, investigators will examine available evidence, including video footage, eyewitness accounts, medical records and the actions of all persons connected with the incident, to establish what transpired.
The command said it would ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Eralе assured the deceased’s family, concerned citizens and members of the public that the police would neither shield nor spare anyone found culpable, irrespective of status or position.
He also assured that the investigation would be conducted professionally, transparently and without interference, while urging members of the public to remain calm and avoid reaching conclusions before the facts of the case are established.
The Commissioner of Police commiserated with Adeda’s family and assured them that justice would be pursued diligently and without fear or favour.
The death had also triggered protests by workers at the Delta State Secretariat, with organised labour demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
