The family of Unity Adeda, a 54-year-old Deputy Director in the Delta State civil service, has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, alleging that he was assaulted while at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Asaba.
The demand followed the death of the civil servant on Friday after he was reportedly taken to hospital for treatment. His elder brother, Oghenevwogaga Adede, said the family remained uncertain about what transpired before Unity’s condition deteriorated.
According to him, Unity was on annual leave when he was invited to the ministry. He alleged that the deceased was assaulted, tied up and injured inside the office of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education.
Oghenevwogaga said his brother later narrated the alleged incident to some family members, including him, his brother Oberhiri and his sister, Ovwigho Asua. He added that the family subsequently received photographs showing Unity with a swollen face, which he said reflected the severity of the alleged assault.
The family said Unity initially received medical attention but later returned home to rest. He was subsequently taken back to hospital after his condition worsened and died on Friday morning.
“We want justice to be done. Justice has really to be done and all the culprits brought to book,” Oghenevwogaga said.
He said the family had petitioned the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, but expressed reservations about an administrative panel established by the state government to examine the incident.
According to him, the panel consists of civil servants and does not include a family representative or an independent figure such as a human rights activist. He also expressed concern that potential witnesses might be unwilling to speak openly because of fears of victimisation.
The family has therefore urged the police to conduct their investigation independently and without political interference.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has confirmed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the death.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the command arrested Lucky Adoh, one of the individuals identified in allegations that the deceased was beaten by aides of the commissioner. He added that efforts were ongoing to locate the other suspects named in the complaint.
Edafe said Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale had directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
The police said investigators would examine available evidence, including video footage, eyewitness accounts and medical records, as well as the actions of everyone connected with the incident.
The command assured the deceased’s family and members of the public that nobody found culpable would be shielded because of their position or status.
The police commissioner also urged the public to remain calm while investigators establish the facts, assuring that the case would be handled professionally and without interference.
Unity, a father of four, had served as Chief Inspector of Education for Isoko South before his recent return to Asaba. He was reportedly living in Ozoro while working in Isoko South and had resumed in Asaba before proceeding on annual leave.
