The Delta State Police Command has arrested a top aide to the Commissioner for Secondary Education over the death of a Deputy Director in the ministry, Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.
The police also launched a manhunt for two other aides allegedly linked to the incident, which occurred at the commissioner’s office in Asaba.
The arrested suspect was identified as Lucky Adoh, while Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine are being sought by investigators.
Police spokesman, Bright Edafe, said the command took action after receiving complaints alleging that Adeda was physically assaulted during an incident at the office of Commissioner Kingsley Ashibogwu.
The allegations have now turned the death into a homicide investigation, with Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale directing the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to unravel what happened.
Investigators are expected to examine available video footage, eyewitness accounts and medical records, as well as the actions of everyone connected with the incident.
The police said the investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and whether any individual should be held criminally responsible.
The development came amid growing tension among civil servants in the state, with workers under the Nigeria Labour Congress shutting the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba on Friday to demand justice for the deceased.
The workers reportedly locked the entrances to the secretariat, disrupting official activities as they protested over the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
Police authorities, however, warned against jumping to conclusions before the investigation is completed.
CP Erale assured Adeda’s family that the command would pursue the matter professionally and without interference, stressing that nobody found culpable would be shielded because of status or position.
He also appealed for calm and promised that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, the exact circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death remain subject to investigation, including whether the alleged assault directly caused his death.
The police have not declared any of the suspects guilty, as the investigation is still ongoing.
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