The family of late Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has rejected a proposed condolence visit by the Delta State Government over his death.
The family also expressed reservations about the Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
The position was contained in a statement issued by Lloyd Sodje Adeda, the deceased’s brother, in which the family said it lacked confidence in the current process and wanted outstanding concerns addressed before engaging with the government. Vanguard independently reported the family’s rejection of both the condolence visit and the panel.
Adeda reportedly died following an incident at the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba, where he was a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The circumstances surrounding his death have triggered protests by civil servants and an investigation by the Delta State Police Command.
Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said the command had received complaints alleging that Adeda was physically assaulted by three aides linked to the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu.
The police identified the three individuals as Enos Attah, Oputa Okestine and Lucky Adoh. Lucky Adoh has been arrested, while police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the other two.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and Adeda’s subsequent death.
According to the police, investigators will examine available video footage, eyewitness accounts, medical records and the actions of people connected with the incident before determining whether anyone is culpable.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death. The panel includes representatives of organised labour and has been given two weeks to complete its assignment.
The family, however, has questioned the composition of the panel, particularly its reliance on government officials, and said it wants a process it considers sufficiently independent and credible.
The family’s allegations against individuals connected to the incident remain subject to investigation and have not been established by a court.
The Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, has denied ordering or participating in any assault on Adeda. His account is among the issues expected to be examined as investigations continue.
The police have urged members of the public to refrain from reaching conclusions before investigations are concluded.
