Police Declare Education Director, Driver Wanted Over Adeda Murder

The Delta State Police Command has intensified its investigation into the death of Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education, by launching a manhunt for two key suspects: Mrs. Clemetine (also reported as Clementine) Ufuoma, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, and Clement Apia, driver to the Commissioner for Secondary Education.

In a press release issued late Monday, the command confirmed it had taken into custody the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, along with three other suspects. This brings the total number of persons currently held in connection with the probe to five. Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe stated that the presence of Mrs. Ufuoma and Mr. Apia “is required in furtherance of the investigation.” Commissioner of Police Samuel E. Erale urged the two to present themselves to investigators without delay, wherever they may be.

Adeda died following an incident that occurred at the commissioner’s office in Asaba, reportedly around Thursday, September 24, 2026. He was later taken for medical attention and pronounced dead. Allegations of physical assault by aides to the commissioner have circulated widely, with early police statements naming Lucky Adoh (already arrested), Enos Attah, and Oputa Okestine in connection with claims that the deceased was beaten.

Conflicting accounts of what transpired continue to emerge, and the command has stressed that all available evidence—including video footage, eyewitness reports, and medical records—will be examined by the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department.

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The development follows public outrage, protests by civil servants, and an indefinite strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress that temporarily shut down the Prof. Chike Odozien Secretariat in Asaba. Adeda’s family has rejected aspects of the state government’s response, including an earlier administrative panel of inquiry, and demanded full accountability. The Delta State Government has expressed condolences and directed a thorough probe, while insisting justice will not be perverted.

CP Erale has reiterated that the investigation will be thorough, impartial, and professional. He assured the family of the deceased and the public that due process will be followed and that anyone found culpable—regardless of status or position—will be brought to justice in accordance with the law. The command also extended its heartfelt condolences to Adeda’s family.

Police continue to appeal for information that could assist the ongoing inquiries. Further updates are expected as the manhunt and investigations progress.