A human-rights advocacy group, CONFAB for the Actualisation of Human Rights, has demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Unity Adeda, a Level 16 Director in the Delta State Civil Service.
The group, in a petition addressed to the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and copied to the Inspector-General of Police, National Human Rights Commission and Police Service Commission, said the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death required urgent investigation.
The petition, signed by the group’s Director-General, Omemiroro Ogedegbe, alleged that Adeda was involved in a confrontation with the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, at the Delta State Secretariat shortly before his death.
It further alleged that Adeda was assaulted, restrained and tied by some persons present during the incident.
However, the group stressed that the allegations had not been established and should be investigated by competent authorities.
It called for an independent criminal investigation, preservation and examination of CCTV footage, security registers, access records and other relevant evidence from the Secretariat.
The rights group also demanded an independent autopsy to establish the cause and manner of Adeda’s death, as well as the identification and interrogation of all persons who were present or allegedly involved in the incident.
It further urged the authorities to investigate specifically the allegations that the deceased was restrained, tied or assaulted.
The petition called for the arrest and prosecution, in accordance with due process, of anyone found to have committed a criminal offence.
The group also sought the intervention of the NHRC over the alleged violation of Adeda’s fundamental rights and urged the Police Service Commission to provide oversight to ensure that the investigation was conducted professionally and without interference.
It equally requested protection for the deceased’s family and witnesses against possible intimidation or retaliation.
The group said the outcome of the investigation should be communicated transparently to the family and the public, subject to lawful investigative limitations.
“We are not asking for conviction without trial or for government to prejudge anyone. We are demanding that the death of a public servant be properly investigated, that evidence be preserved, and that anyone found responsible be dealt with according to law,” the petition stated.
