The Ughelli Descendants Union (UDU) has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the death of Mr. Unity Ekuevugbe Adeda, a senior civil servant and indigene of Ughelli Kingdom, insisting that every person connected with the circumstances leading to his alleged assault should be investigated irrespective of status or political office.
The apex Ughelli socio-cultural body, in a statement signed by its President-General, Chief Samuel Akpimegi, said the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death were disturbing and had generated widespread concern across Ughelli Kingdom.
“The UDU demands a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to establish exactly what happened and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law,” the statement said.
The Union said it had taken note of a statement attributed to the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, reportedly identifying Lucky Adoh, Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine in connection with the incident. It, however, called for clarification of the circumstances surrounding the alleged involvement, if any, of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu.
According to the UDU, “The Union is concerned that the circumstances surrounding the alleged involvement of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, have not been sufficiently clarified.”
The Union maintained that since the incident was allegedly connected with an official engagement involving Adeda, who was a senior career officer in the ministry, investigators should widen their inquiry to establish the roles of everyone connected with the events preceding his death.
“Consequently, every individual who was present, participated in, authorised, facilitated or had knowledge of the events leading to the alleged assault leading to the death of Mr. Adeda is a suspect and should be investigated, irrespective of status or political office,” the statement added.
UDU specifically called on the Delta State Commissioner of Police to ensure that the investigation was comprehensive and left no relevant question unanswered, stressing that anyone against whom credible evidence was established should face prosecution.
“Anyone against whom credible evidence is established should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws. Nobody is above the law, and nobody should be treated as a sacred cow,” it declared.
The Union also called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death were fully unravelled and that the investigation was conducted in a manner capable of sustaining public confidence.
It recalled what it described as the state government’s recent willingness to allow due process following another alleged assault involving a member of the State Executive Council and a governor’s aide, saying it expected the same standard of accountability in the Adeda case.
“The UDU expects the same commitment to accountability in this case, particularly as a precious life has been lost,” the Union said.
UDU further vowed to pursue justice for the deceased through lawful channels and warned that it could escalate the matter to higher authorities should credible evidence emerge that the investigation was being compromised or anyone was being shielded.
“The people of Ughelli Kingdom will pursue justice for Mr. Unity Ekuevugbe Adeda through every lawful avenue available. Should there be credible grounds to believe that the process is being compromised or that any person is being shielded, the UDU will petition the Inspector-General of Police and other appropriate authorities,” it stated.
Despite the anger generated by the incident, the Union appealed to residents, particularly sons and daughters of Ughelli Kingdom, to remain calm and avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace while consultations with relevant authorities continue.
“Consultations and meetings are ongoing, while the leadership of the kingdom continues to engage relevant authorities through lawful and peaceful means,” the statement said.
Expressing sympathy with the bereaved family, the UDU said it stood firmly with the Adeda family over what it described as the painful loss of a son of Ughelli Kingdom.
“The Union demands nothing more than truth, accountability and justice under the law,” the statement concluded.
