Delta sets up panel to probe ministry’s director’s death as CDHR demands suspension of commissioner

The development followed consultations between the government and organised labour after the incident, which triggered concerns among civil servants and labour unions in the state.

The government, in a special announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, said the panel would work alongside the ongoing police investigation into the death.

The panel is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs Charity Ehimen, while the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Mamuzo Erebe (SAN); Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Lucky Nkemachor; and Executive Assistant to the Governor, Public Service, Sir A.E. Oghoro, are members.

Other members are the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku; Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Chief Benson Efeotor; Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Wilson Asekutu; and JNC Secretary, Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, who will serve as secretary.

The government gave the panel two weeks to establish the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and make findings that would enable it to address issues arising from the incident within the law.

It also commiserated with the deceased’s family and assured civil servants of its commitment to the safety of the workplace and respect for the dignity and sanctity of life.

Meanwhile, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State branch, has demanded the immediate suspension of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, pending an independent investigation.

The rights group made the demand following allegations that Adeda died after an altercation at the state secretariat in Asaba.

CDHR said the circumstances surrounding the death had gone beyond an internal administrative matter, describing it as a matter of public interest requiring thorough investigation, particularly given the allegation that a public servant died following an altercation within a government facility.

The rights group alleged that the commissioner and Adeda had an altercation and that personal enforcers allegedly tied up, assaulted and detained the deputy director before he was taken to hospital, where he later died.

CDHR stressed that its allegations must be established through investigation, but argued that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted regardless of political position or official status.

The group urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to suspend Ashibogwu pending the outcome of the investigation.

It said the action would help protect the integrity of the process and guard against possible interference with witnesses or evidence.

CDHR called for a transparent and independent investigation capable of withstanding public scrutiny, saying accountability should apply to all persons found culpable.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has also commenced a criminal investigation.

One suspect, identified as Lucky Adoh, has reportedly been arrested, while two others, Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine, are being sought.

It was gathered that another suspect has been nabbed in connection with the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, had directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and Adeda’s death.

Ashibogwu has reportedly denied ordering or participating in any assault on the deceased.

He reportedly said he was called to the ministry following a distress call concerning Adeda and maintained that he did not order anyone to beat him.

The controversy has also heightened industrial tension in the state, with workers under the NLC shutting the entrances to the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba and demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.