The Delta State governorship candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.
Iyovwaye, in a release, described the incident as “deeply troubling” and called for a thorough investigation to establish what happened, who was present and what led to the civil servant’s death.

He also urged authorities to ensure that medical evidence, eyewitness accounts, video recordings and the outcome of an independent autopsy are properly examined.

“The people of Delta State deserve answers. What happened inside the Secretariat, and what preceded it? Who was present? What do the medical evidence and an independent autopsy reveal about the cause of death? And what do the available recordings and eyewitness accounts disclose?” Iyovwaye asked.

Adeda died at the Asaba Specialist Hospital following an incident at the Delta State Secretariat, Asaba, with the circumstances surrounding his death now the subject of a police investigation.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that it is investigating the incident. He revealed that the police had indicated that video footage, eyewitness accounts and medical records would be examined as part of the investigation.
Iyovwaye said one suspect, identified as Lucky Adoh, had been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend two other aides of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine, who were allegedly linked to the incident.

The NDC candidate also cited the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), whose Delta State chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, has demanded that anyone found responsible for the alleged assault be brought to justice.

The demand followed the reported lockdown of the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat Complex in Asaba by labour union members on Friday, disrupting state civil service operations.

Iyovwaye, however, cautioned against reaching conclusions before the investigation is completed.

He noted that the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, had denied ordering or participating in any assault, stressing that the commissioner’s account, like those of other persons involved, should be tested against the evidence.

“This is precisely why an independent and credible investigation is essential,” he said.

Iyovwaye called on the Delta State Police Command to conduct its investigation “without fear, favour or political interference” and urged the state government to cooperate fully with investigators.

He also called on the Head of Service and relevant authorities to protect civil servants who witnessed the incident from intimidation, harassment or reprisal.

According to him, government offices should remain places where workers can perform their duties without fear and where disagreements are resolved through professionalism, due process and respect for human life.

“This is not a moment for political retaliation. It is a moment for truth, justice and accountability,” he said.