The family of the late Ekuevugbe Adeda has rejected the Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by the Delta State Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
The family also rejected a proposed condolence visit by the state government, citing concerns over the composition of the panel and demanding that certain issues be addressed before further engagement with the government.
The position was contained in a statement posted on Saturday evening by Lloyd Sodje Adeda, brother of the deceased, on his verified Facebook page.
According to Adeda, the family rejected the proposed condolence visit in connection with what it described as the “gruesome murder” of their son.
He listed three reasons for the family’s position, including the fact that individuals the family identified as suspects had not been brought to justice.
“The Chief Prime Suspect, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu (an Agent Of The Government) And Other Suspects Have Not Been Brought To Book,” he said.
The family also alleged that a commissioner whom it accused of involvement in the death remained under the protection of the state government.
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“The State Government should make a public statement on this before any contact with the Family,” Adeda said.
On the Administrative Panel of Inquiry, he said the family lacked confidence in the process because, according to him, its membership comprised only civil servants.
He alleged that family representatives, civil society organisations and human rights activists were not included in the panel.
The family consequently called for a more inclusive process that would, in its view, provide greater confidence in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
Meanwhile, Vanguard reported that despite the family’s position, a high-profile delegation from the Delta State Government visited the deceased’s family on Saturday.
The delegation reportedly assured the family that the state government was committed to ensuring justice for the late Adeda.
The family’s rejection of the panel and proposed condolence visit comes as the state government continues efforts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and address concerns raised by the deceased’s relatives.