Ex-NLC chairman slumps, dies during dispute with police in Edo

A former chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, Kaduna Eboigbodin, slumped and died at a police checkpoint on Monday in Benin City.

An eyewitness told journalists the incident occurred when Eboigbodin was driving with his wife along the Upper Sakponba Road in the state capital.

He said: “The police officers stopped Eboigbodin and demanded his vehicle particulars, which he provided.

“However, a discrepancy in the documents led to a heated argument and the police officers accused him of driving a stolen vehicle.

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“They ordered him to drive to their station. But Eboigbodin refused and demanded to know his offence.

“The situation degenerated into arguments and Eboigbodin who had become infuriated slumped on the spot.

“The police officers fled the scene, leaving Eboigbodin’s wife to rush him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.”

The spokesman for the state police command, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.

He said the state’s Commissioner of Police, Umoru P. Ozigi, has ordered an investigation into the incident.

The statement read: “The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police received with great concern, news of the death of Eboigbodin, former Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo.

“The CP wishes to use this medium to commiserate with the widow, family, friends and associates of the deceased over the loss and pray for the repose of his soul.

“He noted the cordial working relationship existing between the Police, Civil Society Organisations, NLC and all critical stakeholders in the state and has, therefore, directed the immediate investigation into the incident.

“The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails in every situation.”

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