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In a tragic turn of events, Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, the ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, has passed away after a violent encounter with police officers at a roadblock in the Upper Sokponba region of Benin City. The incident has sent ripples of sorrow through his community.
Civil society organizations have called on the police to act swiftly, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the identification and accountability of the officers involved in the incident. The groups have stressed the importance of timely action to uphold justice and restore public trust.
Eboigbodin was reportedly pulled over on Monday while driving with his wife. As recounted by Rev. David Ugolor, the Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), the police officers initially requested the vehicle’s documents, which were up-to-date. However, they questioned a supposed discrepancy between the car’s glass engraving and its plate number. Despite providing clarifications, the police allegedly confiscated his documents, ordered his arrest, and summoned a tow truck to seize his car.
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As the situation grew more tense, Eboigbodin suddenly collapsed. His wife, along with bystanders, hurriedly took him to the hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival. Witnesses alleged that, rather than offering assistance, the officers involved fled the scene, further heightening the sense of urgency and despair.
The Edo State Police Command has denied allegations of misconduct. Police spokesperson SP Moses Yamu stated that the account shared by civil rights groups does not align with the version provided by the deceased’s wife to the authorities.
Civil society organizations, including ANEEJ and the Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOSCO), have demanded justice for Eboigbodin. Rev. Ugolor described him as a dedicated leader and activist who served as the former NLC Chairman in Edo State, National Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and a pioneer in various civil society initiatives.
Comrade Omobude Agho, Coordinator-General of EDOSCO, expressed shock at the actions of the police, emphasizing that Eboigbodin was a well-known and respected figure in Edo State.
The groups have issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the police to identify the officers involved and provide a detailed explanation of the incident. They insist that the incident underscores the need for reform within the Nigerian Police Force and accountability for officers’ actions.
Eboigbodin’s death has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice from labor unions, civil society organizations, and the public.
