The Delta State Police Command has taken the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, into custody alongside three other suspects as investigations continue into the death of a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.
The latest development brings to five the number of persons currently in police custody in connection with the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
The police, in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, also announced a manhunt for two persons described as key suspects in the case.
They are Mrs Clemetine Ufuoma, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, and Clement Apia, driver to the Commissioner for Secondary Education.
The command urged the two individuals to make themselves available to investigators without further delay, saying their presence was required to advance the investigation.
Adeda, who served as a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, reportedly died following an incident at the ministry’s offices in Asaba.
Earlier in the investigation, police arrested an aide to the commissioner, identified as Lucky Adoh, after receiving complaints alleging that Adeda had been physically assaulted during an incident at the commissioner’s office.
The police subsequently directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
Investigators are expected to examine available evidence, including video footage, eyewitness accounts and medical records, to establish what transpired and determine whether anyone should be held criminally responsible.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Erale, said the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, impartially and professionally.
He assured the deceased’s family and members of the public that due process would be followed and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice, irrespective of their position.
The police also expressed condolences to the family of the late Adeda as the investigation continues.
