Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, former Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, has tragically passed away following an incident with police officers at a roadblock in Benin City.
Eboigbodin, who was traveling with his wife in the Upper Sokponba area of the city, was stopped by the police on Monday.
Reports indicate that officers questioned the car’s documents, including the vehicle’s glass engraving and plate number.
Despite having valid documents, they reportedly seized his papers and attempted to arrest him, even calling for a tow truck.
Tensions rose during the confrontation, and witnesses say Eboigbodin suddenly collapsed. His wife and bystanders rushed him to the hospital, but he was declared dead upon arrival.
Eyewitnesses allege that the police officers left the scene without offering any help.
In response to the incident, civil society organizations have demanded justice and accountability, giving the police 48 hours to identify those involved.
Rev. David Ugolor of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) described Eboigbodin as a committed activist, emphasizing his contributions to labor and civil society causes.
The Edo State Police Command has denied any wrongdoing, with a spokesperson stating that the account provided by the civil society groups does not align with the version given by Eboigbodin’s wife.
However, this has done little to quell outrage from labor unions and civil society groups calling for a full investigation into the incident.
