Former Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, tragically lost his life following an alleged altercation with police officers at a roadblock in the Upper Sokponba area of Benin City.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with civil society organizations issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the police to investigate and identify those responsible.
According to Rev. David Ugolor, the Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), the confrontation occurred on Monday when Eboigbodin was driving with his wife. Police officers reportedly stopped him, requesting his vehicle documents, which were confirmed to be up to date. However, the officers raised suspicions about an alleged discrepancy between the car’s glass engraving and its license plate number.
Despite Eboigbodin’s attempts to explain, the officers allegedly confiscated his documents and summoned a tow truck to impound the vehicle. Tensions escalated at the scene, and witnesses claim the former labor leader suddenly collapsed. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Eyewitnesses alleged that the officers fled the scene instead of offering assistance.
The Edo State Police Command has denied any wrongdoing. SP Moses Yamu, the Command’s spokesperson, stated that the narrative provided by civil rights groups differs significantly from the account given by Eboigbodin’s wife during police investigations. Yamu called for patience while the matter is thoroughly investigated.
Civil society organizations, including ANEEJ and the Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOSCO), have demanded an immediate and transparent investigation. Rev. Ugolor paid tribute to Eboigbodin, describing him as a committed activist and leader who served as the former NLC Chairman in Edo State, the National Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and a pioneer in civil rights advocacy.
“This is a devastating loss not only to the labor movement but to the entire state,” remarked Comrade Omobude Agho, Coordinator-General of EDOSCO. “Kaduna Eboigbodin was a selfless leader who dedicated his life to championing the rights of workers and the cause of justice.”
Labor unions, civil society groups, and concerned residents have joined the call for justice. They have urged the police to identify and hold the officers involved accountable within 48 hours, emphasizing the need for systemic reform in the Nigerian Police Force to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Eboigbodin’s sudden death has left the community in mourning and fueled demands for accountability and reform. Advocacy groups have stressed that justice for Eboigbodin would serve as a step toward addressing broader issues of police misconduct and protecting citizens’ rights.
