The 2027 Delta State governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress Chris Iyovwaye has called for a full, transparent and impartial investigation into the death of a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education, Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.
Iyovwaye made the call in a statement issued on Saturday, September 26, 2026, while condoling with Adeda’s family, colleagues and the state civil service community.
Adeda reportedly died following an incident at the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, at the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba.
According to the release, the Delta State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and arrested one suspect, Lucky Adoh, while it is searching for two others, Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine, who were named in connection with allegations surrounding the incident.
Iyovwaye said the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death were “deeply troubling” and required an independent investigation to establish what happened.
He said, “The circumstances surrounding Mr. Adeda’s death are deeply troubling and demand a full, transparent and impartial investigation. The incident, which occurred inside the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education and the Examinations division before Mr. Adeda tragically passed away at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, requires absolute clarity.”
According to the statement, the police are expected to examine available video footage, eyewitness accounts and medical records as part of the investigation. PUNCH also reported that the police said the evidence would be examined to establish what transpired.
Iyovwaye said the Nigeria Labour Congress, through its Delta State Chairman, Goodluck Ofobruku, had demanded that anyone found responsible for the alleged assault be brought to book before workers could regain confidence in returning to their workplaces.
He said the demand led to union members locking down the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat complex in Asaba on Friday, disrupting state civil service operations.
The governorship candidate, however, cautioned against reaching conclusions before the investigation was completed.
He said Commissioner Ashibogwu had denied ordering or participating in any assault, adding that the commissioner’s account should be tested against available evidence.
“Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, has denied ordering or participating in any assault. His account, like every other account, must be tested against the evidence,” Iyovwaye said.
He urged the Delta State Police Command to conduct its investigation without fear, favour or political interference.
“I call on the Delta State Police Command to conduct its investigation without fear, favour or political interference,” he said.
Iyovwaye also called on the state government to cooperate with the investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable.
“I call on the Delta State Government to cooperate fully and ensure that no person is protected from accountability if wrongdoing is established,” he said.
He further urged the Head of Service and other relevant authorities to protect civil servants who witnessed the incident from intimidation or reprisals.
“Our government offices must be places where workers can perform their duties without fear, and where disagreements are resolved through professionalism, due process and respect for human life,” he said.
Iyovwaye also called for calm, saying the investigation should be allowed to establish the facts.
“This is not a moment for political retaliation. It is a moment for truth, for justice, and for accountability,” he said.
“I appeal to all Deltans to remain calm and allow the investigation to establish the facts. Where wrongdoing is established, the law must take its course without fear or favour.”
He said Adeda’s family deserved the truth, while his colleagues deserved justice and civil servants deserved assurance that their lives and dignity were protected.
“Mr. Adeda’s family deserves the truth. His colleagues deserve justice. And every civil servant in Delta State deserves to know that their life and dignity are protected.”
Iyovwaye prayed for the repose of Adeda’s soul.
