Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Civil society coalition in Edo State, have given the Nigeria Police, Edo State command, a 48-hour ultimatum to explain to Nigerians the circumstances leading to the death of the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman, Edo State chapter, Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin.
Eboigbodin was stopped by policemen at a road block in Upper Sokponba area of the Edo State capital.
Addressing Journalists in Benin, the Executive Director, African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor, said, initial investigations and firsthand accounts from his wife reveal a troubling sequence of events.
He explained that the deceased wife said the police stopped Comrade Eboigbodin and demanded to see his vehicle papers, which were all up to date.
Ugolor while quoting the deceased wife said they then raised concerns about a discrepancy between the engraved number on the car’s glass and the plate number, an issue he explained to them.
And that despite his compliance, the police seized his documents, ordered his arrest, and instructed another officer to enter his vehicle.
He said they even called for a towing service to take his car to the station adding that the aggressive demeanor of the police created an environment of tension, which ultimately led to Comrade Eboigbodin’s death.
He said to make matter worse, the officers instead of providing assistance, the officers present fled the scene, leaving only his wife and bystanders to rush him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Executive Director of ANEEJ, said Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin was a dedicated leader, serving as the former Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, the former National Vice Chairman of NULGEN, the Pioneer Coordinator of the Edo Civil Society Organisation (EDOSCO), and a founding member of the Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (NOCSON), among other roles.
He further said in light of this tragic incident, they are calling on the Edo State Government, the Commissioner of Police, and all relevant authorities to: Conduct a full investigation to identify and hold accountable the police officers involved in this incident just as he called for the implementation of measures to ensure that such unprofessional conduct is addressed and prevented in the future.
Speaking also, the coordinator general of the Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO), Comrade Omobude Agho said late Eboigbodin is a man that is well known in the state and expressed surprise at the actions of the police officers.
He added that consequently upon the police action that has led to the sudden death of their comrade, the civil rights groups in the state are giving the Edo State Police command a 48-hour ultimatum to investigate the circumstances that led to his death and bring the officers in question to book.
In a swift reaction, the Edo State Police command Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu said the picture painted by the civil rights groups is false and it is contrary to what the deceased wife told the police.