-
The Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Deputy Director, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Adeda Ekwevugbe, who died after an incident at his workplace in Asaba.
-
The panel was constituted amid a protest by civil servants at the state secretariat and a subsequent closed-door meeting between government officials and labour leaders over the circumstances of Ekwevugbe’s death and concerns about workplace safety.
-
Delta Police Command has arrested Lucky Adoh, an aide to the Commissioner for Secondary Education, over the incident, while Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine are being sought as part of the ongoing investigation.
-
While the administrative panel, constituted in consultation with labour, has two weeks to submit its report, the police are conducting a separate criminal investigation.
September 26, (THEWILL) – The Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Adeda Ekwevugbe, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, following an incident at his workplace in Asaba.
The panel, constituted in consultation with organised labour, has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings to enable the government take appropriate action within the law.
The development followed growing concerns among civil servants and organised labour over the circumstances surrounding Ekwevugbe’s death, as well as demands for an investigation into what occurred at the Ministry of Secondary Education.
The panel is chaired by Mrs Charity Ehimen, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service.
Its other members are Mr Mamuzo Erebe, SAN, Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Mr Lucky Nkemachor, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government; Sir A.E. Oghoro, Executive Assistant to the Governor, Public Service; NLC Chairman in Delta, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku; Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Benson Efeotor; and Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Wilson Asekutu.
Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Council, is the Member/Secretary.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Eze Emu, the government said the panel would “unearth the circumstances surrounding the death” and enable it address all issues arising from the incident within the scope of the law.
READ ALSO:
Delta Govt, Labour Leaders Meet
The constitution of the panel followed a closed-door meeting between the state government and organised labour on Friday evening over Ekwevugbe’s death.
The meeting was led by Emu on the government side, with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Finance, Commissioner for Youth Development and other senior officials in attendance. Labour was represented by Ofobruku, Efeotor and Isichei.
The discussions centred on the events preceding Ekwevugbe’s death and concerns over the safety of civil servants in government workplaces.
The meeting came against the backdrop of a protest by civil servants at the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba on Friday. Workers reportedly shut the secretariat and demanded an investigation following Ekwevugbe’s death in hospital after the incident at the Ministry of Secondary Education the previous day.
Labour leaders had demanded concrete assurances on the safety of workers, while appealing to employees to remain calm as investigations continued.
The government subsequently assured the labour movement that an administrative panel would investigate the matter, alongside the separate investigation by security agencies.
Police Arrest One, Hunt Two Others
Meanwhile, the State Police Command has arrested Adoh in connection with the incident and commenced a detailed investigation.
The command said it was also searching for Attah and Okestine, who it identified as two other persons allegedly connected with the incident.
Police said they were aware of allegations that Ekwevugbe was assaulted during a confrontation involving the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu.
Ashibogwu has denied ordering anyone to assault Ekwevugbe or taking part in any physical attack. He said he went to the ministry after receiving a distress call over an alleged disturbance and claimed that Ekwevugbe became aggressive during their encounter.
Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, has directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
The Command said investigators would examine video footage, eyewitness accounts, medical records and the actions of everyone connected with the incident.
It said the investigation would establish the facts and determine whether anyone should face criminal charges.
Eralе assured the deceased’s family and the public that the police would neither shield nor spare anyone found culpable, regardless of status or position.
He also urged the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions until the investigation concludes.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
