Members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), in Edo State have called on the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command to arrest and prose the Policemen who allegedly traumatised Comrade Kaduna Eboigbe to death at a police check point in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Monday, 2 December.
Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, a former Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State and labour activist was allegedly traumatised to death by police personnel who mounted a checking point along the Upper Sokponba road axis of the Benin metropolis. The Policemen were alleged to have fled the checkpoint immediately Eboigbodin slumped.
Addressing a press conference in Benin City, leaders of CSOs in the state led by Comrade David Ugolor, the Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice ANEEJ, Comrade Aghedo Omobude, former Coordinator General of Edo Civil Society Organisations EDOCSO, Comrade Kola Edokpayi, Coordinator of Masses Parliament, among others, the CSOs also called on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to set up a Judicial Commission of Enquiry to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of Kaduna Eboigbodin.
Addressing the press, leader of the CSOs, Rev. David Ugolor made a two demands from the police authorities .
“We, the Civil Society Community, convene today to address the tragic and avoidable death of Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, which resulted from the unprofessional conduct of certain members of the Nigeria Police Force at a roadblock on the Upper Sokponba axis.
“Initial investigations and firsthand accounts from his wife reveal a troubling sequence of events. The police stopped Comrade Eboigbodin and demanded to see his vehicle papers, which were all up to date. 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.
“Despite his compliance, the police seized his documents, ordered his arrest, and instructed another officer to enter his vehicle. They even called for a towing service to take his car to the station. The aggressive demeanor of the police created an environment of tension, which ultimately led to Comrade Eboigbodin’s death. 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.
“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.
“In light of this tragic incident, we call upon 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.
“Implement measures to ensure that such unprofessional conduct is addressed and prevented in the future.
“We seek justice for Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin and urge all stakeholders to work together to uphold the rights and dignity of every citizen”.
Reacting, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu said the CSOs were lying. He said he would issue a statement to support his claim that the CSOs were lying. As at the time of going to press the PPRO’s statements has not been received.