*Demands Swift Prosecution Over Adeda’s Death
The Society of Public Interest Lawyers in Nigeria (SPI-LAW) has called on the Delta State Government to expedite investigations and prosecute anyone found culpable in the death of Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, while commending the state’s Ministry of Justice and judiciary for the progress recorded in the ongoing murder trial of five defendants accused of killing Oghenemine Ogidi in Effurun.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and signed by its President, John Aikpokpo-Martins, SPI-LAW expressed concern over the absence of publicly verifiable information confirming the arraignment of persons implicated in Adeda’s death, despite earlier reports of arrests involving senior government officials.
The organisation insisted that no individual should be shielded from criminal investigation or prosecution because of political influence, official position or personal connections, stressing that justice must be administered fairly and without interference.
SPI-LAW’s statement also provided an update on the criminal proceedings in State v. Nuhu Usman & 4 Ors, arising from the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State.
According to the organisation, the case, which is pending before High Court No. 4, Asaba, has progressed to the stage of final written addresses after both the prosecution and defence concluded their respective cases.
SPI-LAW disclosed that the prosecution closed its case after calling six witnesses, while all five defendants had also completed their defence.
The matter has consequently been adjourned until November 17, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses by counsel.
The organisation described the progress recorded in the proceedings as encouraging, particularly in view of the need for the timely determination of criminal cases and the protection of public confidence in the justice system.
SPI-LAW specifically commended the Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Solicitor-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Tejiri Anuhwin, Esq., for their commitment to the prosecution.
It also praised members of the prosecution team, including J. A. Amahi, Deputy Director, and O. Agbatutu, Principal State Counsel, for their diligence and professionalism in handling the matter.
The organisation equally acknowledged the efforts of the judiciary, describing the pace of proceedings as commendable.
“SPI-LAW expresses its profound appreciation to the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State; the Solicitor-General; the Director of Public Prosecutions, Tejiri Anuhwin Esq., and his dedicated team, comprising J.A. Amahi, Deputy Director, and O. Agbatutu, Principal State Counsel, for their diligence, professionalism and commitment to the prosecution of this important case,” the statement read.
“SPI-LAW equally commends the Judiciary for its diligence and the commendable pace of proceedings. These efforts reinforce public confidence in the administration of criminal justice and demonstrate the importance of institutional accountability.”
While acknowledging the progress in the Ogidi murder trial, the organisation urged the same level of diligence and commitment in investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Adeda.
Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, died following an incident at the Professor Chike Edozie Secretariat in Asaba on September 24, 2026.
According to SPI-LAW, public reports indicated that the police arrested several individuals in connection with the incident, including the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, and other officials and aides.
The organisation, however, emphasised that allegations surrounding the incident remained subject to proper investigation and judicial determination.
It expressed concern that, despite the arrests mentioned in public reports and the seriousness of the incident, it had not been able to verify any public report confirming that those implicated had been arraigned before a court as of October 29, 2026.
“SPI-LAW further calls on the Office of the Honourable Attorney-General and the Ministry of Justice to ensure that the investigation into the unfortunate death of Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, is brought to a timely and conclusive end,” the organisation stated.
It added that the circumstances surrounding the incident required a thorough investigation to establish the facts and determine whether criminal charges should be instituted against any individual.
“SPI-LAW is concerned that, despite the arrests publicly reported and the grave nature of the incident, it has not been able to verify any public report confirming the arraignment of the persons implicated as at the date of this statement,” it said.
The organisation consequently urged the relevant authorities to accelerate the investigative process and ensure that anyone against whom sufficient evidence establishes a case to answer is promptly charged before a competent court.
“We therefore urge the relevant authorities to expedite the necessary investigative and prosecutorial processes and ensure that all persons against whom sufficient evidence establishes a case to answer are promptly arraigned and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” SPI-LAW stated.
It maintained that Adeda’s family, members of the Delta State civil service and the general public deserved clear information about the progress of the investigation and the steps being taken to ensure accountability.
“The family of the deceased, the civil service community and the public deserve transparency, accountability and timely answers,” the statement added.
SPI-LAW stressed that the administration of criminal justice must not be influenced by the political status, official position or personal connections of persons under investigation.
The organisation maintained that public officials must remain subject to the law and that allegations involving persons in positions of authority should receive the same level of scrutiny as those involving ordinary citizens.
“There must be no sacred cows in the administration of criminal justice. No individual should be shielded from accountability because of official position, influence or connections; equally, no person should be condemned without due process,” SPI-LAW declared.
The group emphasised that its demand for accountability should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against any individual mentioned in connection with Adeda’s death.
It insisted that the investigation must be evidence-based and that the constitutional rights of suspects, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair hearing, must be respected throughout the process.
“Justice must be pursued without fear or favour, and the evidence not status or privilege must determine the course of the law,” the statement added.
SPI-LAW further maintained that public confidence in the justice system depends on the willingness of law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities to investigate serious allegations thoroughly, regardless of the identities of those involved.
The organisation pledged to continue monitoring both the criminal proceedings arising from Ogidi’s killing and the investigation into Adeda’s death.
It urged the Delta State Ministry of Justice, the judiciary and relevant investigative authorities to sustain their commitment to accountability, fairness and the rule of law.
“SPI-LAW will continue to monitor both matters in the public interest and urges the authorities to sustain their commitment to accountability, fairness and the rule of law,” the statement read.
Concluding, the organisation reiterated the need for transparency and public confidence in the administration of criminal justice.
“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” SPI-LAW declared.
Post Title: “Speedy Trial Of Five Defendants In Ogidi Murder Case Commendable” — SPI-LAW Hails Delta Justice Ministry, Judiciary By Naijaonpoint.