The family of late Unity Adeda, a 54-year-old Deputy Director in Delta civil service, has demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Unity’s elder brother, Mr Oghenevwogaga Adede, made the call while reacting to the death in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
Oghenevwogaga alleged that the deceased was “assaulted, tied up and injured” inside the office of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education.
He said that he later received medical attention but died on Friday after his condition reportedly deteriorated.
“I received with very deep sadness the incident that happened in Asaba, involving my younger brother, Unity, a deputy director in the Ministry of Education,” he said.
He alleged that Unity was “brutally and mercilessly beaten up, tied up, injured, plus all the dehumanising actions meted out to him”.
According to Oghenevwogaga, the deceased was taken to hospital for treatment, but his condition was so serious that medical personnel reportedly struggled to administer intravenous treatment.
He said his brother initially returned home to rest but was later taken back to hospital, where he died on Friday morning.
“The news is really shocking, disheartening and we are all in deep sorrow and mourning the loss of a dear one, whose life has been cut short in his prime,” he said.
Oghenevwogaga said the deceased was on annual leave when he was invited to the ministry, adding that the family had yet to establish what actually transpired.
He said Unity narrated the alleged assault to some family members, including his brother, Oberhiri, and sister, Mrs Ovwigho Asua.
He said the family subsequently received photographs showing Unity with a swollen face, which he said indicated the extent of the alleged assault.
“We are a law-abiding, peaceful Christian family but we will not just fold our hands to allow the issue go,” he said.
Oghenevwogaga further said the family had formally petitioned the Commissioner of Police (CP), Samuel Erale, who, according to him, pleaded for time to conduct a thorough investigation.
“We want justice to be done. Justice has really to be done and all the culprits brought to book,” he said.
He, however, expressed concern over the administrative panel constituted by the State Government, saying that it comprised civil servants, without family representation or a neutral figure.
“No member of the family is included in the panel and no neutral figure.
“A human rights activist would have been included in the panel,” he said.
Oghenevwogaga said the family was concerned that witnesses might be reluctant to provide information for fear of victimisation, particularly while the principal actor remained in office.
He commended the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress for their moves to take action, but urged authorities to ensure that the investigation produced justice.
“Nothing is going to bring my younger brother back to life, but at least the outcome of it should be able to settle frayed nerves,” he said.
He said that the deceased, a father of four, had served for about four years as Chief Inspector of Education for Isoko South, with a field office at Oleh.
He also said that he resided in Ozoro while working in Isoko South and was recently recalled to Asaba, where he resumed before proceeding on annual leave.
He urged the police commissioner to remain independent and conduct the investigation without succumbing to political interference.
“He should stand his ground as a police commissioner to do the needful, devoid of any manipulation,” Oghenevwogaga said.
Meanwhile, the state Police Command said it had arrested a suspect in connection with the death.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Asaba.
Edafe added that the command had taken note of the allegations suggesting that the deceased was beaten by the commissioner’s aides, identified as Enos Attah, Oputa Okestine, and Lucky Adoh.
“The command, upon the receipt of the complaints, immediately swung into action and arrested one of the suspects, Lucky Adoh, while serious manhunt for the other suspects is ongoing,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the CP had ordered the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The statement partly read: “The CP gave assurance that all available evidence, including relevant video footages, eyewitness accounts, medical records, and the actions of all persons connected with the incident, will be examined.
“This will establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“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.
“He promised that the investigation will be conducted professionally, transparently and without interference.
“He urged members of the public to remain calm until the facts surrounding the incident are fully established.
“The commissioner condoled with the deceased family and assured that justice will be pursued diligently and without fear or favour
