Delta education commissioner detained as police investigate official’s death

Police in Nigeria’s Delta State have arrested the state’s Commissioner for Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibogwu, and four other people over the death of Unity Adeda, a deputy director in the ministry. Two additional suspects are being sought. Police spokesperson Bright Edafe said Adeda reportedly died after an incident at the commissioner’s office.

He said conflicting accounts had emerged about what happened before the death and that the investigation would establish the circumstances. In an earlier statement, police said they had arrested Lucky Adoh in connection with allegations that Adeda was physically assaulted by aides to the commissioner. They also named Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine and said a manhunt had been launched for them.

In the latest statement, police said five people were in custody, including Ashibogwu and four others. The command did not immediately identify the other three people arrested. It named Clemetine Ufuoma, director of Basic and Secondary Education, and Clement Apia, the commissioner’s driver, as the two people being sought.

Police urged Ufuoma and Apia to report to investigators. Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale directed the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry. Investigators are expected to examine video footage, eyewitness accounts, medical records and the actions of everyone connected with the incident.

Ashibogwu has denied ordering or taking part in any assault. According to reports cited in the source material, he said he responded to distress calls and alleged that Adeda had become violent before their encounter. He said his account should be tested against available evidence.

Workers have demanded an investigation. Vanguard reported calls from staff in the state Ministry of Secondary Education for a thorough inquiry, while PUNCH reported that the Nigeria Labour Congress shut the state secretariat in Asaba as workers sought accountability. State Commissioner for Works and Public Information Charles Aniagwu said the government would not conceal the matter.

He said an autopsy and medical examination could establish the cause of death and that necessary action would follow the findings. Police said due process would be followed and anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.