The family of late Mr Unity Ekuevugbe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, has become divided over the state government’s response to his controversial death.

While some relatives rejected a proposed condolence visit and administrative panel of inquiry, others welcomed the government’s intervention and appealed for justice.

The development came amid growing demands from human rights activists, political groups and sections of the public for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death in Asaba, the state capital.

Adeda reportedly died following an incident at the Examinations and Records Department of the Ministry of Secondary Education, amid allegations that he was assaulted by some persons allegedly linked to the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that Ashibogwu is among those to be investigated in connection with the incident, but said the commissioner had not made himself available to the police.

The command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, told The Guardian on Sunday that efforts to establish Ashibogwu’s whereabouts were ongoing.

“He has not been seen yet,” Edafe said when asked whether the commissioner had presented himself to the police.

The disclosure has intensified calls for the police to question everyone named in connection with the incident, irrespective of official status.

However, Lloyd Sodje Adeda, brother of the deceased, said the Adeda family worldwide rejected the proposed condolence visit by the state government and expressed a lack of confidence in the administrative panel set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Lloyd said the family was particularly concerned that the panel comprised only civil servants, without representation from the deceased’s family, civil society organisations or human rights groups.

He also demanded that the state government make a public statement on the status of Ashibogwu and other suspects before further engagement with the family.

“The Adeda family worldwide rejects the Delta State Government’s proposed condolence visit over the gruesome murder of their beloved brother, Mr Ekuevugbe Adeda,” he stated.

He alleged that the family’s concern was heightened by the fact that Ashibogwu, whom he described as the “chief prime suspect,” had not been brought before the appropriate authorities.

“The Commissioner who acted as an agent of the government to murder our son is still under the protection of Delta State, making it impossible for him to answer for the crime,” he alleged.

Lloyd also said the family had no confidence in the administrative panel because, according to him, it comprised only civil servants.

“The family does not have confidence in the Administrative Panel of Inquiry, since it consists of only civil servants — no family member, no civil organisation or human rights activist involved in the panel,” he added.

Despite the rejection by some members of the family, the government delegation visited the deceased’s relatives.

The Guardian learnt that the family was divided over the condolence visit, with the delegation received by the deceased’s in-law, Mr Godwin Akamakusi.

Akamakusi, who received the delegation on behalf of the family, appealed to the state government and relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death were fully investigated and justice served.

He thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the state government for visiting the family and expressing concern over the incident.

Meanwhile, the National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Kehinde Prince Taiga, has called on the Delta State Police Command to immediately arrest or secure the attendance of Ashibogwu and other individuals allegedly connected with the incident.

Taiga, who spoke at the weekend, maintained that official positions should not prevent anyone named in connection with the alleged assault from being investigated.

He described the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death as disturbing and urged the authorities to establish what happened through a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.

The Delta North Senatorial District chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) also demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the death.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Hon. Udoka Aaron Ebenuwa, the party said the incident had raised serious concerns about safety and accountability within government institutions.

The party warned that government offices must remain places of public service and should not become environments where allegations of intimidation, assault or violence could result in loss of life.

“A government office should be a place of service, dignity, safety and protection, not a place where allegations of intimidation, assault or violence can result in the loss of human life,” the statement said.

The NDC called for anyone found culpable to face the law, irrespective of political position or connection.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has assured the bereaved family that justice would not be perverted.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, gave the assurance on Saturday when he led a delegation of senior government officials to the deceased’s family to commiserate with them.

Emu said the state government was deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death, stressing that every life mattered to the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

He said the administrative panel of inquiry was established to assist in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the police investigation would determine possible criminal liability.