The Edo State Police Command has arrested four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) assigned to a well-known hotel in Benin City in connection with the alleged death of a Bolt driver, Henry Osarodion Osemwenkhia,Daily Trust reports.
Reports indicate that Osemwenkhia and his friends were involved in an altercation on Tuesday, leading to a physical confrontation. He sustained injuries during the incident and tragically passed away the next day.
CSP Moses Yamu, the state police spokesperson, confirmed awareness of the case and stated that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation.
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According to Yamu, “Henry Osarodion Osemwenkhia, now deceased, reported to the New Etete Police Station on February 4 that he had transported passengers to the Council Hotel on Limit Road, Benin City. There, he got into a dispute with a young man and some NSCDC officers. After reporting the issue, the police provided him with a medical form for treatment.”
Yamu added, “However, on February 5, 2025, we received a distress call that Osemwenkhia had died at his home while awaiting the results of his medical scan. His body has been placed in the morgue.”
The four NSCDC officers linked to the incident are currently detained in police custody.
Efosa Ogbebor, the NSCDC spokesperson in Edo, stated that the officers were assigned to secure the hotel and had only intervened to break up a fight involving the Bolt driver. He clarified that the officers had voluntarily presented themselves to the police to aid the investigation, emphasizing, “We took our personnel to the police; they were not arrested. An impartial investigation is necessary, as we cannot judge our own case.”
Following the incident, Bolt drivers in the state staged a peaceful protest, accusing the NSCDC officers of causing their colleague’s death. Festus Nwanbuzo, the spokesperson for the protesting drivers, expressed their demand for justice for Osemwenkhia.
