Alleged Murder: Delta Police Arrest Education Commissioner, Three Others, Hunt Two More Suspects
By Gabriel Awodeha
The Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, and three other suspects have been taken into police custody over the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education.
Their arrest brings to five the number of persons currently detained in connection with the incident, while the police have launched a manhunt for two other suspects believed to be relevant to the ongoing investigation.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, September 28, 2026.
According to Edafe, the arrests followed ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death, which had sparked protests and demands for justice across the state.
“The Delta State Police Command, in continuation of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, has taken into custody the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, alongside three other suspects in connection with the case.
“This brings the number of persons currently in Police custody in connection with the investigation to five (5),” the statement read.
Edafe identified the two suspects being sought as Mrs Clemetine Ufuoma, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, and Clement Apia, the commissioner’s driver.
“The Command has consequently launched a manhunt for the two key suspects, Mrs Clemetine Ufuoma, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, and Clement Apia, driver to the Commissioner for Secondary Education, whose presence is required in furtherance of the investigation,” he stated.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, urged the two suspects to report to the police immediately, assuring the public that the command would conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
“The CP reiterates that the investigation will be pursued thoroughly, impartially and professionally, assuring the family of the deceased and members of the public that due process will be followed and anyone found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” Edafe added.
The latest development follows the rejection of an eight-member administrative panel of inquiry constituted by the Delta State Government by the deceased’s family.
The family, through the deceased’s brother, Lloyd Sodje Adeda, had demanded the arrest of Ashibogwu and other persons allegedly involved in the incident, expressing concern over what it described as the government’s failure to take decisive action.
It also called for the inclusion of family representatives, civil society organisations and human rights groups in the investigative panel to guarantee transparency and public confidence.
Adeda reportedly died following an alleged assault during a confrontation at the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education in Asaba.
His death triggered protests by civil servants and widespread calls for an independent investigation into the incident.
The police command extended its condolences to the bereaved family and maintained that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
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