ASABA — A legal practitioner and social commentator, Sammy Afamefune Anukwu, has called for a full criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a Deputy Director in the Delta State Civil Service, Mr. Ekuevugbe Unity Adeda, alleging that the incident may amount to manslaughter or homicide if the facts are established.
In a critical analysis of the incident, Anukwu said the death of the senior civil servant should not be treated solely as an administrative or disciplinary matter, particularly if investigations establish that he died following an unlawful assault allegedly carried out in a government office.
He stressed that the allegations must be properly investigated and determined in accordance with the law, saying no public officer has the authority to physically assault or order the assault of another officer as a form of discipline.
According to him, a confirmed officer on Grade Level 16 is entitled to fair hearing, dignity of person and the protections guaranteed under the Constitution and applicable public service regulations.
Anukwu further alleged that a female director involved in the dispute may have acted improperly if it is established that she invited the Commissioner to intervene and facilitated the use of force against the deceased.
He also questioned the alleged involvement of the Commissioner, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, arguing that a commissioner, as a political appointee, does not have the authority under the Public Service Rules to physically discipline a senior civil servant.
“If the allegation that the Commissioner ordered his aides to assault the officer is established, those involved should face the appropriate legal consequences,” Anukwu said.
He maintained that disciplinary matters involving senior civil servants should ordinarily be handled through established administrative procedures, including a written query, an opportunity for the officer to respond and, where necessary, consideration by the appropriate disciplinary authority.
Alleged Criminal Liability
Anukwu said the circumstances, if supported by evidence, could raise questions under the criminal law relating to unlawful assault and homicide.
He noted that the precise offence, if any, would depend on evidence from the investigation, including the circumstances of the alleged assault, medical findings, autopsy results, witness statements and the level of participation or intent attributable to each suspect.
He urged the authorities not to assume guilt before the conclusion of investigations or trial, stressing that every person accused of a crime is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence.
The legal practitioner also argued that individuals allegedly involved in the physical assault could be criminally liable if evidence establishes their participation in the act that resulted in the officer’s death.
Calls for Investigation
Anukwu called on the Nigeria Police to conduct a comprehensive homicide investigation and determine the individual responsibilities of everyone connected with the incident.
He specifically advocated the involvement of the State Criminal Investigation Department, an autopsy and the preservation of all relevant evidence.
He also called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death, saying such an investigation would help establish what happened and whether administrative or criminal offences were committed.
Beyond the criminal investigation, Anukwu urged the Delta State Government to address the welfare and statutory entitlements of the deceased officer’s family, including any applicable death-in-service benefits, pension and gratuity.
He further called for a clear public statement on the safety of civil servants within government offices.
‘No One Should Be Above the Law’
Anukwu said government officials and political appointees should be subject to the law like every other citizen, while disciplinary powers in the public service should be exercised through legally established procedures.
“The family of the deceased deserves justice, not just sympathy,” he said, adding that accountability should be based on evidence and due process.
The analyst’s position comes amid calls for authorities to establish the exact circumstances surrounding Mr. Adeda’s death and determine whether any criminal or administrative liability arose from the incident.
As of the time of the analysis, the allegations against the named individuals would require independent investigation and, where applicable, determination by a competent court before any criminal liability can be established.
