The Police Command in Edo State, on Wednesday, launched an immediate investigation into the sudden death of a former Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin.
Comrade Eboigbodin, reportedly slumped and died at a police checkpoint in Benin City, the capital, during an altercation between him and some officers.
The Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Mr. Moses Yamu, a Superintendent of Police, SP, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umoru P. Ozigi, ordered the investigation on Wednesday.
According to reports, the tragic event was said to have occurred, on Monday, when Eboigbodin and his spouse were driving through Upper Sakponba Road in the city.
A report said the policemen had stopped Eboigbodin at the checkpoint and demanded his vehicle particulars, which he promptly provided.
However, the encounter took an ugly turn when, according to an eyewitness, one of the officers spotted a discrepancy in the documents leading to a heated argument.
The officers were said to have accused the former NLC boss of driving a stolen vehicle.
Consequently, they reportedly ordered Eboigbodin to drive the vehicle to their station; an order that the Comrade allegedly turned down, insisting on knowing his specific offence.
The eyewitness said the situation degenerated into a hot argument and an agitated Eboigbodin reportedly slumped on the spot.
The police officers were said to have fled the scene, leaving Eboigbodin’s wife to rush him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has commiserated with the family, friends, associates and the labour community on the sudden passing of Comrade Eboigbodin.
The Command’s spokesman, Yamu, quoted CP Ozigi as saying that the police would investigate possible issues of professional misconduct and ensure that whoever is found culpable is brought to account.
“The CP noted the cordial working relationship existing between the Police and Civil Society Organisations in the state and has, therefore, directed the immediate investigation into the incident,” Yamu said.
“The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails in every situation.”
