BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Civil society groups in Edo State have given the police a 48-hour ultimatum to explain the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state.
Eboigbodin reportedly died after being allegedly harassed by police officers during a stop-and-search operation in Benin City, Tuesday, raising serious concerns about police brutality and professional misconduct.
According to reports, the incident occurred in the Upper Sokponba area of Benin City, where Eboigbodin was stopped by some overzealous policemen.
The deceased’s wife, said to be with him at the time, stated that the officers initially demanded to see the vehicle’s particulars, which were all said to be up to date.
However, it was further said that the policemen raised concerns about a supposed discrepancy between the engraved number on the car’s glass and the vehicle’s plate number.
Despite Eboigbodin’s calm and reasoned explanation of the situation, the officers allegedly insisted on seizing his particulars and ordered his arrest.
It was gathered that the situation became tense when the officers called for a towing van to transport the car to the station, as the ensuing aggressive demeanor of the officers, coupled with the escalating tension, caused Eboigbodin to collapse.
Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), during a press briefing in Benin immediately the sad incident told journalists that when Eboigbodin collapsed, the police officers immediately fled the scene instead of offering assistance. His wife and bystanders rushed him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Rev. Ugolor described Eboigbodin as a committed civil society leader who had served in various prominent roles, including as the National Vice Chairman of NULGEN, pioneer coordinator of the Edo Civil Society Organisation (EDOSCO), and a founding member of the Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (NOCSON).
The civil society groups, including the Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO), have strongly condemned the actions of the police. They have called on the Edo State government, the Commissioner of Police, and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and hold the officers involved accountable.
Comrade Omobude Agho, the Coordinator General of EDOCSO, and Comrade Marxist Kola Edokpayi of Talakawa Parliament expressed shock and disbelief over the police’s actions, especially considering Eboigbodin’s stature as a well-known leader in the state.
Comrades Agho and Edokpayi echoed Ugolor’s call for justice, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future as Ebougboin’s tragic death could have happened to anyone.
“We are giving the Edo State Police Command a 48-hour ultimatum to investigate the circumstances surrounding Comrade Eboigbodin’s death and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” they stated.
Earlier Attempts to obtain response from the spokesman, Edo State police Command SP Moses Joel Yamu proved unsuccessful. However, a media report quoted him to had dismissed the claims made by the civil society groups, insisting that the account given by Eboigbodin’s wife was inconsistent with their version of the tragedy.
SP Yamu was also said to have maintained that the police acted within the law, but he did not provide further details.
This tragic incident has sparked outrage in the state, with many questioning the professionalism and conduct of the police officers involved.
Civil society groups have vowed to take further action, including possible street protests, if the authorities fail to provide a satisfactory explanation and hold the officers accountable.
The 48-hour deadline is expected to allow the Edo State Police command to address the allegations and restore public confidence in their ability to uphold justice and exert the slogan “Police is Your Friend”.
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