The Delta State Police Command has arrested the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, along with three other individuals in connection with the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education. The arrests bring the total number of persons in police custody in the case to five.
Arrests Confirmed by Police Spokesperson
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday night, September 28, 2026, as reported by Vanguard. The statement detailed the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death.
"The Delta State Police Command, in continuation of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, has taken into custody the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, alongside three other suspects in connection with the case," the statement read.
Manhunt for Two Additional Suspects
Beyond those already in custody, the Command announced a manhunt for Mrs Clementine Ufuoma, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, and Clement Apia, the commissioner's personal driver. Police said the presence of both individuals was required to advance the investigation and urged them to report to investigators without delay.
"The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, urges the two suspects, wherever they may be, to make themselves available to the Police without further delay," Edafe said.
Commissioner of Police Assures Thorough and Impartial Probe
Commissioner of Police Samuel E. Erale assured members of the public and Adeda's family that the investigation would be conducted without interference. He said the process would be transparent and that anyone found responsible for the death would face the full weight of the law.
"The investigation will be pursued thoroughly, impartially and professionally, assuring the family of the deceased and members of the public that due process will be followed and anyone found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law," the statement added.
The Command also extended condolences to Adeda's family, saying it shared in their grief during what it described as a difficult period. The arrests come amid widespread public concern over the circumstances of Adeda's death and growing calls for accountability from the Delta State government.
Previous Arrest of Commissioner's Aide
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the Delta State Police arrested Lucky Adoh, an aide to Commissioner Kingsley Ashibogwu, over the death of Deputy Director Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda. The incident occurred at the Commissioner for Secondary Education's office in Asaba, with police noting allegations of physical assault. The Delta Police launched a manhunt for two other suspects as the Homicide Section opened a full investigation into the death.
