UPU Demands Justice, Insists There Should Be No Sacred Cows Over Adeda’ s Murder

Ogheneruona Tejiri, Ughelli

Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide has demanded for justice and accountability over the death of Mr. Unity E. Adede, Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education following an alleged assault reportedly linked to Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, State Commissioner for Secondary Education just as it insists that there should not be sacred cows during investigations

This demand is contained in a statement signed by Dr. Kehinde Taiga, National Publicity Secretary of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) made available to the Reformeronline Newspaper, the apex socio-cultural organization of Urhobo Nation also demanded an independent and transparent criminal investigation into the death of Mr. Adeda.

The UPU condemned the circumstances surrounding the death and called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately commence an independent and transparent criminal investigation.

The UPU urged the police to investigate the incident without fear or favour, stressing that all persons reasonably suspected of involvement should be invited for questioning and, where evidence and the law justify it, arrested and charged before a competent court.

The group specifically identified Ashibogwu and other persons allegedly acting with or on his behalf as individuals who should be investigated in connection with the incident.

It also called on the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to take decisive administrative action concerning the commissioner pending the outcome of the investigation, including relieving him of his office where necessary to prevent any actual or perceived interference with the process.

The UPU cited Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees the right to life, and referenced Section 319 of the Criminal Code in its call for accountability where an unlawful killing is established as murder under applicable law.

UPU maintained that public office should not shield anyone from criminal accountability, insisting that the investigation must establish the facts and ensure that justice is served.

However, it acknowledged the constitutional rights of persons accused of wrongdoing, including the presumption of innocence and the right to fair hearing, stressing that no individual should be convicted except upon proof before a competent court.

The UPU further called for the preservation of all relevant evidence and the protection of witnesses to ensure that the investigation is conducted without obstruction.

It reiterated its demand for justice for the deceased, urging the authorities to establish the truth surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.

According to the UPU, “the law must prevail. The truth must be established. Justice must be done”.