Adeda Death: Delta North Power Brokers Allegedly Move To Save Commissioner From Removal
By Passman Akpos
Fresh allegations of behind-the-scenes political manoeuvring have emerged over the death of Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, with claims that influential political figures from Delta North are allegedly working to protect the state Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, from possible removal.
The allegations were made by Comrade Israel Joe, popularly known as “Table Breaker,” who claimed that political heavyweights from Delta North were secretly exploring ways to “rescue” the commissioner amid the ongoing police investigation and administrative inquiry into Adeda’s death.
However, the claims have not been independently verified by Tarakirivoice, and there is no public evidence at the time of publication establishing that any political bloc is attempting to interfere with the investigation.
What is established is that the Delta State Police Command has taken Ashibogwu into custody alongside other suspects as part of its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death. Police have repeatedly stated that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, impartially and professionally, and that anyone found culpable would face the law.
Alleged Political Rescue Plan
According to Joe, the alleged political intervention is motivated by the perceived political importance of the commissioner to the Delta North political structure ahead of the next election cycle.
He alleged that political actors had prevailed on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to delay any decision on the commissioner’s removal while attempts were allegedly being made to reach an agreement with the Adeda family.
Joe further alleged that there were plans to use an alternative dispute resolution approach, popularly known as ADR, as part of efforts to resolve the matter outside an extended political confrontation.
He claimed that political actors were also allegedly interested in influencing the timing of the administrative panel’s report.
These claims remain allegations and have not been confirmed by the Delta State Government, the police, the panel of inquiry or the Adeda family.
Police Investigation Remains Central
The controversy comes against the backdrop of a widening police investigation.
The police initially arrested one suspect after receiving allegations concerning an incident involving Adeda at the Ministry of Secondary Education. Investigators subsequently took Commissioner Ashibogwu and additional suspects into custody, while two other individuals were declared wanted.
The number of people in police custody later rose to six following the arrest of the ministry’s Director of Exams and Standards, Mrs. Clementina Ufuoma Ojumah.
Police have maintained that the arrests are part of an ongoing investigation and should not automatically be interpreted as proof of criminal responsibility.
Government Panel Also Under Scrutiny
The Delta State Government separately constituted an administrative panel of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death. The panel is chaired by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Charity Ehimen.
The panel has itself become a subject of controversy, particularly after Adeda’s home community reportedly rejected its composition on the grounds that neither the deceased’s family nor the community was represented.
The deceased’s family has also been working with investigators on an autopsy as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
Governor Says Justice Must Prevail
Amid concerns about a possible cover-up, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has publicly assured that justice will prevail.
The governor, through the Secretary to the State Government, also said the administrative panel would not undermine or frustrate the police investigation.
That position is significant because the latest political allegations directly touch on the independence and credibility of both investigative processes.
The Questions Now Before Delta
The latest allegations therefore raise several questions that authorities and political actors may need to address publicly:
Is there any political attempt to influence the outcome of the investigation?
Has anyone approached the Adeda family for an out-of-court settlement or ADR arrangement?
Is Governor Oborevwori considering the suspension or removal of the commissioner?
Will the administrative panel submit its report independently and without political pressure?
Will the police investigation continue regardless of the political status of anyone involved?
And ultimately, will the evidence determine who is culpable in the death of Unity Adeda?
For now, there is no publicly established evidence that Dr. Ashibogwu masterminded Adeda’s death. His being taken into police custody places him within the scope of an ongoing investigation but does not, by itself, establish guilt. Police have said their task is to establish what happened and determine culpability based on evidence.
The Adeda family, the Delta State Government, the police and the public will therefore be watching closely as the investigation progresses.
The central demand remains straightforward: let the evidence speak, let the investigation run its course, and let anyone found culpable face the law—regardless of political connections or office.
