Police arrest suspect, launch manhunt for 2 others over Delta Education Director’s death

The Delta State Police Command has arrested one suspect and launched a manhunt for two others in connection with the death of a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education, Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.

Adeda reportedly died after an incident at the ministry’s premises in Asaba on Thursday, September 24, 2026, triggering protests by civil servants who demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The police investigation follows conflicting accounts of what transpired before Adeda was taken to hospital.

Reports from the ministry indicated that Adeda was involved in an altercation at the premises. Some workers alleged that he was assaulted following a disagreement, while Commissioner for Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibogwu, denied ordering anyone to attack him or participating in any assault.

Ashibogwu said he had gone to the ministry after receiving a distress call concerning an individual who was allegedly threatening staff and causing a disturbance. He also alleged that Adeda became aggressive and attacked him during the encounter. The commissioner denied claims that he ordered anyone to beat the deceased.

The circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death have not been independently established.

Following the incident, civil servants gathered at the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba on Friday, demanding that the government and security agencies investigate the matter. The protesters also called for the investigation of the commissioner and other individuals they alleged may have been involved.

The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Kingsley Emu, reportedly visited the secretariat and appealed to the workers to remain calm while assuring them that the government was addressing the matter.

The latest development indicates that the police have now arrested one suspect and are searching for two others allegedly connected to the incident.

The investigation is expected to establish what happened at the ministry, the circumstances leading to Adeda’s injuries and death, and whether any individuals should face criminal charges.

Meanwhile, workers at the state secretariat have continued to demand transparency and accountability over the death, amid calls for a thorough investigation.

No court has established criminal liability against any of the individuals accused in connection with the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.