By NEWSCOUNT Desk
A Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, has died following an alleged physical assault at the office of the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, in Asaba.
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 24, 2026, following an altercation involving Adeda and the commissioner.
According to reports, the disagreement started at the Examination and Standards office, where Adeda was said to be carrying out his official duties.
Sources alleged that Ashibogwu ordered Adeda to leave the office, but the Deputy Director reportedly refused, insisting that the office was his place of primary assignment.
The disagreement allegedly became physical, with the commissioner and Adeda reportedly exchanging slaps.
The situation subsequently escalated when aides attached to the commissioner allegedly descended on Adeda.
Sources said the Deputy Director was restrained and severely beaten before bystanders intervened and rushed him to a hospital for medical attention.
Adeda, however, died in the hospital on Friday.
The death has triggered tension at the Delta State Secretariat, with organised labour shutting down the complex and demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one person in connection with the incident, while two other suspects are being sought.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, SP Bright Edafe, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, had directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
The police said the investigation would cover the events leading to the alleged assault and the circumstances of Adeda’s subsequent death.
Ashibogwu has denied ordering the assault on Adeda or taking part in the beating. The commissioner said he was called to the scene after being informed that Adeda was allegedly attacking staff and threatening those who attempted to intervene.
The Delta State Government has also said it would investigate the incident and establish the circumstances surrounding the Deputy Director’s death.
Meanwhile, the police investigation continues, with one suspect in custody and efforts ongoing to apprehend the other persons linked to the alleged assault.
