Delta Police Arrest Education Commissioner, Three Others Over Deputy Director’s Death

The Delta State Police Command has arrested the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, and three other suspects as investigations continue into the death of Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education.

The latest arrests bring to five the number of people currently in police custody in connection with the case. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, announced the development in a statement, saying the arrests formed part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.

The command has also launched a manhunt for two people it described as key suspects: Mrs Clementine Ufuoma, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, and Clement Apia, the commissioner’s driver. Police said their presence was required to further the investigation and urged both to report to the authorities without delay.

The arrests follow allegations surrounding an incident involving Adeda at the Ministry of Secondary Education. Earlier reports said the deputy director was allegedly assaulted before being taken to hospital, where he later died. Police have said conflicting accounts exist over what happened before his death and that the investigation is intended to establish the circumstances.

The development has also generated calls for accountability. Labour unions previously demanded an investigation into Adeda’s death, while the Urhobo Progress Union Worldwide has called for a transparent probe, preservation of evidence and protection of witnesses.

Commissioner of Police Samuel E. Erale said the investigation would be conducted “thoroughly, impartially and professionally.” He assured Adeda’s family and members of the public that due process would be followed and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.

The identities of the three other people arrested alongside Ashibogwu have not been disclosed by the police in the latest statement. Investigators are expected to continue questioning those in custody while efforts remain underway to locate Ufuoma and Apia.