More controversies have trailed the sudden death of a former chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin.
Eboigbodin reportedly died after an encounter with police officers at a roadblock in the Upper Sokponba area of Benin City.
Civil society groups allege that threats, harassment, and intimidation by the officers contributed to his death.
The development has drawn sharp reactions, with civil society organisations in Edo State threatening to protest in Benin if the police fail to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death within 48 hours.
Addressing journalists, Rev. David Ugolor, the Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), shared details from an initial investigation. According to him, Eboigbodin’s wife recounted how officers stopped the deceased despite his vehicle papers being in order.
The police reportedly raised concerns over discrepancies between the vehicle’s engraved number and plate number, which Eboigbodin explained calmly.
Despite his compliance, the officers allegedly seized his documents, ordered his arrest, and called for a towing van. The escalating tension reportedly caused Eboigbodin to collapse.
Ugolor alleged that instead of assisting, the officers fled the scene, leaving his wife and bystanders to rush him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Ugolor described Eboigbodin as a committed leader who had held several prominent roles, including National Vice Chairman of NULGE and a founding member of the Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (NOCSON). He called on the Edo State Government and police authorities to ensure justice is served, and measures are taken to prevent future misconduct.
The Coordinator-General of the Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), Comrade Omobude Agho, also demanded justice, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the police to act.
Reacting, Police Public Relations Officer SP Moses Joel Yamu confirmed that CP Ozigi had ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. He expressed condolences to the family and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to justice.
“The Edo State Police Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails,” Yamu said.
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