By Gio Bare

The Delta State Government has constituted an eight-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Unity Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, following an alleged assault involving persons reportedly attached to the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogu.

Adeda, who was a former Chief Inspector of Education (CIE) in Isoko, was later redeployed to Asaba, where he reportedly served as the officer in charge of examinations in the Ministry.

His death has heightened concerns within the state’s education sector and among organised labour, as the police have already commenced investigation into the incident.

The Delta State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, reportedly confirmed that one person has been arrested, while the Command has launched a manhunt for two other suspects said to be at large in connection with the incident.

Edafe said the investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the roles allegedly played by those involved.

In a related development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, has directed a full-scale investigation into the incident, with investigators expected to establish what transpired before, during and after the alleged assault.

Alleged assault involving Commissioner’s aides

According to information surrounding the incident, Adeda was allegedly assaulted during a confrontation involving persons identified as aides attached to Commissioner Ashibogu’s office.

He was subsequently reported to have developed serious health complications before his death.

However, the precise circumstances of the alleged assault, the nature of any injuries sustained by the deceased and the direct medical cause of his death have not been independently established.

The allegation against the aides therefore remains subject to investigation.

There is also no established evidence at this stage that Commissioner Ashibogu personally ordered, participated in or had prior knowledge of any alleged assault. Any responsibility on his part would have to be established by evidence arising from the ongoing investigations.

Delta Government constitutes panel

Amid growing concerns over the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death, the Delta State Government, in consultation with organised labour, has constituted an eight-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the matter.

The development was contained in a Special Government Announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, on September 25, 2025.

The government said Adeda died amid unclear circumstances at his workplace, prompting concerns among his colleagues, organised labour and other sections of the state public service.

According to the announcement, the panel was constituted to establish the circumstances surrounding the Deputy Director’s death and guide appropriate government action within the law.

The panel is chaired by Mrs. Charity Ehimen, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service.

Other members are Mr. Mamuzo Erebe, SAN, Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Mr. Lucky Nkemachor, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government; Sir A.E. Oghoro, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Service; Comrade Goodluck Obofruku, NLC Chairman, Delta State; Comrade Chief Benson Efeotor, Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council; and Comrade Wilson Asekutu, Chairman, Trade Union Congress.

Comrade Dennis Chuks Isichei, Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Council, will serve as Member/Secretary of the panel.

The panel has been given two weeks to investigate and unravel the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and enable the government to address issues arising from the incident within the ambit of the law.

Police, panel investigations underway

The government’s decision to establish the panel comes as the police investigation continues, with one suspect reportedly in custody and two others being sought.

The parallel investigations are expected to establish what led to the reported confrontation, identify the persons involved, determine whether an assault occurred and clarify the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.

The findings could also determine whether any individual bears responsibility under the law.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has expressed condolences to Adeda’s family and assured civil servants of its commitment to the safety of the work environment.

The government also reaffirmed its respect for the dignity and sanctity of human life.

As the two-week administrative inquiry gets underway and the police continue their investigation, attention is now focused on the findings that will ultimately provide answers to the circumstances surrounding the death of the Deputy Director.

The allegations contained in this report remain subject to the outcome of the police investigation and the Administrative Panel of Inquiry.