Outrage in Delta: Commissioner Accused in Deputy Director's Brutal Death, Civil Servants Demand Justice

Apprehension and mass protests have gripped the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education and the Prof. Chike Edosie Secretariat in Asaba following the alleged death of Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the ministry. Adeda reportedly died after a violent altercation on the ministry premises on Thursday, triggering widespread demands for justice and investigation.

According to anonymous staff members and a sister of the deceased, Adeda allegedly died after being severely beaten by the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibogwu, his police orderly, Celestine Opute, his driver, Amos Atah, and another individual identified as David. A sister of the deceased, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed Adeda's death, though she stated the family had not been fully briefed on the exact circumstances. She mentioned that a video of the incident is reportedly in possession of the Director of Examinations in the state.

An eyewitness staff member recounted that the incident began when Commissioner Ashibogwu allegedly asked Adeda if he knew him, to which Adeda reportedly replied that he did not. Following this, the commissioner allegedly ordered his police orderly and driver to beat Adeda, leading to him being mercilessly assaulted. Adeda subsequently fell into a coma and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba before he later died. His remains were then deposited at Asaba Specialist Hospital mortuary. The source further alleged that Adeda, who had recently been redeployed from the ministry's field office in Isoko South Local Government Area, was initially involved in a disagreement with the Director of Examinations, who then contacted the commissioner. It was also alleged that after the beating, Adeda was detained instead of being immediately taken for medical treatment.

In response to the tragedy, Delta State civil servants staged a mass protest at the state secretariat in Asaba on Friday. Protesters gathered at the Prof. Chike Edosien Secretariat along Mariam Babangida Way, demanding the immediate arrest of Commissioner Kingsley Ashibogwu, his driver Amos Atah, his police orderly Celestine Opute, and David. They also called upon Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Inspector General of Police, and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate investigation into the incident. The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Kingsley Emu, visited the protest scene, appealing to civil servants to return to work while assuring them that the state government was handling the matter. However, labour leaders vowed to continue their protests until all persons allegedly involved are arrested and brought to justice. Governor Oborevwori has reportedly been informed of the incident.

Commissioner Kingsley Ashibogwu, however, vehemently denied ordering anyone to beat Adeda or participating in any assault. He provided a conflicting account, stating that he rushed to the ministry after receiving a distress call from his Director of Examinations, who reported a man attacking them and threatening to kill anyone in his way. Ashibogwu claimed he asked Adeda if he knew him, but Adeda allegedly responded that he did not need to know him and threatened to attack anyone who approached him. The commissioner asserted that he had only met Adeda once previously when he cautioned him about an accusation of extortion. He stated that Adeda became violent and attacked him, leaving him with wounds. Ashibogwu maintained, “I never ordered anybody to attack or beat him. I am not a violent person. I can't lie against a dead body, God bears me witness.” As of the time of reporting, SaharaReporters could not independently reconcile these conflicting accounts.