The Delta State Police Command has arrested one suspect and launched a manhunt for two others in connection with the death of a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education, Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.
Adeda reportedly died following an incident at the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibogwu, in Asaba.
The police identified the arrested suspect as Lucky Adoh, while Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine were identified as the two other suspects being sought.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday.
Edafe said the command was aware of reports concerning Adeda’s death and allegations that the deceased was physically assaulted by aides to the commissioner.
“The Command has also taken note of allegations suggesting that he was physically assaulted by aides to the Commissioner identified as Enos Attah, Oputa Okestine, and Lucky Adoh,” the statement said.
According to the police, the command acted after receiving complaints and arrested Adoh, while efforts were intensified to locate the other two suspects.
“The Command, upon receipt of the complaints, immediately swung into action and arrested one of the suspects, Lucky Adoh, while serious manhunt for other fleeing suspects is ongoing.”
The allegations remain subject to investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Samuel Erale, has directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and Adeda’s subsequent death.
The police said investigators would examine available evidence, including video footage, eyewitness accounts and medical records, as well as the actions of people connected with the incident.
“The investigation will examine all available evidence, including available video footages, eyewitness accounts, medical records, and the actions of all persons connected with the incident, to establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The Delta Police Command assured the deceased’s family and members of the public that it would not protect anyone found culpable, regardless of their status or position.
“The CP assures the family of the deceased, concerned citizens and members of the public that the command will neither shield nor spare anyone found culpable, irrespective of status or position,” the statement said.
The command added that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The police statement came after workers under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) shut the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba on Friday to demand an investigation into Adeda’s death.
READ MORE: Delta NLC Locks Secretariat In Protest Over Deputy Director’s Death
The workers locked the entrances to the secretariat and disrupted official activities during the protest.
The police commissioner expressed condolences to Adeda’s family and assured them that the investigation would be conducted without fear or favour.
“Justice will be pursued diligently and without fear or favour,” Erale said.
The police investigation is ongoing, while efforts continue to locate the two suspects still at large.