Civil Societies in Edo issues 48-hours ultimatum for Action over Eboigbodin's death

Benin, Edo – The Civil Society Community in Edo State has condemned the alleged unprofessional conduct of police operatives linked to the tragic death of Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, a pioneer in their ranks.

They have now issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding prompt action to address this egregious incident.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, December 2, 2024, during a scuffle with a stop and search policemen, at a checkpoint in Upper Sakponba, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state, where he slumped and later pronounced dead.

The circumstances surrounding the late Eboigbodin's death remain unclear, but eyewitnesses reveal a disturbing sequence of events.

Eboigbodin, a former Head of Uhunmwonde Local Government Administration and National Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees NULGE, attempted to resolve an issue with police operatives after they discovered his vehicle documents had expired over a year ago.

According to eyewitnesses, Eboigbodin introduced himself and sought a mutually beneficial settlement.

However, an overzealous police officer refused to cooperate, insisting that the vehicle be taken to the station for further investigation.

The incident sparked palpable tension, as eyewitnesses revealed that Eboigbodin had confided in the officer about an undisclosed ailment he was battling, further highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.

With the incident and the body of Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin resting on the bear floor at the mortuary, the Civil Society Community on Tuesday converged at NUJ Conference Room in Benin City, demanding justice.

Addressing Journalists, Comrade David Ugolor, Omobude Agho, Kelly Omokaro, Kola Edokpayi, Emmanuel Ogbidi, and Enidhidhamun Violet lamented the aggressive demeanor of the police that created an environment of tension, which ultimately led to Comrade Eboigbodin's death, Issuing the police authority a 48 hour ultimatum to respond.

They revealed that despite his attempt to comply, the police went ahead to seiz his documents, ordered his arrest, and instructed another officer to enter his vehicle which all happened in a blink before his now widowed wife.

The Civil Society Community is outraged over the egregious behavior of the police officers involved.

Eyewitnesses report that instead of providing aid, the officers fled the scene upon realizing that Eboigbodin had collapsed on the ground.

This appalling dereliction of duty left Eboigbodin's wife and bystanders to rush him to the hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead on arrival.

The CSOs in their resolution want the police to launch a full investigation to identify the police officers involved in the incident.

Additionally, they are also calling for an Implementation measures to ensure that such unprofessional conduct is addressed and prevented in the future.

When contacted, the State Police Command image maker, SP MOSES YAMU, said the command will release a statement sooner pending their findings

This move underscores the Civil Society Community's commitment to promoting accountability, justice, and human rights in Edo State.