A disturbing incident at the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education in Asaba has triggered outrage, labour protests and a police investigation following the death of a Deputy Director, Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, after an alleged confrontation involving the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu.
According to reports, Adeda was involved in an altercation at the ministry before he was allegedly assaulted by aides linked to the Commissioner. The Delta State Police Command confirmed that complaints had been received alleging that three aides — Enos Attah, Oputa Okestine and Lucky Adoh — physically assaulted the deceased. One of the suspects was initially arrested, while the police launched a manhunt for the others.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, however, remain contested. Commissioner Ashibogwu has denied ordering anyone to assault Adeda, saying that he responded to reports that the deceased had become violent and that Adeda allegedly attacked him during their encounter. He called for investigators to examine available video footage and medical evidence.
The case took a more serious turn on September 28, when the police reportedly arrested Commissioner Ashibogwu and three other suspects as part of the investigation. The police also declared two additional persons wanted for questioning and said anyone found culpable would face the law.
The Nigeria Labour Congress subsequently shut the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba, demanding answers over Adeda’s death and assurances that civil servants would be protected at their workplaces. Workers have called for a thorough and transparent investigation.
There have also been conflicting accounts about Adeda’s final moments. A relative alleged that he was found tied up and seriously injured, while other accounts have raised questions about his behaviour before the confrontation. These claims have not been independently established, making the ongoing police investigation particularly important.
The death has therefore raised serious questions about the safety of public servants, the limits of official authority and accountability within the Delta State civil service. The facts surrounding the alleged assault, the role of the Commissioner and his aides, and the precise medical cause of Adeda’s death must be established through a transparent investigation rather than speculation.
For Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, the incident represents a major test of its response to allegations involving a senior government official. The state government has reportedly assured the deceased’s family that justice will not be perverted.
