The Delta State Police Command has arrested the state Commissioner for Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibogwu, and four others in connection with the de@th of a deputy director in the ministry, Unity Adeda.
The arrests followed an investigation into an incident at the commissioner’s office, where Adeda was reportedly involved before his death in a hospital.
Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said two other persons identified as key suspects are currently being sought by the command.
Earlier, Lucky Adoh was arrested over allegations that Adeda was a§§aulted by some of the commissioner’s aides. Police also named Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine as suspects being traced.
The latest development brings the number of people arrested over the incident to five. The police are also seeking the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Clemetine Ufuoma, and the commissioner’s driver, Clement Apia, for questioning.
The case has sparked outrage among workers and labour groups, with calls for a transparent investigation. The Nigeria Labour Congress was also reported to have shut the state secretariat in Asaba as workers demanded answers.
Ashibogwu, however, denied ordering or taking part in any a§§ault on Adeda. He reportedly claimed he responded to distress calls and that the deceased had become v+olent during the encounter.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the state government would not protect anyone found culpable.
“There are different conjectures as to what may have led to the death of our brother who passed away in the hospital. Perhaps, as the autopsy would have been able to establish, what transpired, and indeed medical examination will determine the cause of death,” he said.