Edo Widow Appeals to IGP for Investigation into Husband’s Mysterious Workplace Death

Mrs. Esther Fidelis Osaghae, whose husband, Mr. Fidel, allegedly died under suspicious circumstances at his workplace in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police to investigate her husband’s death.

According to NIGERIA NEWS 247, Mrs. Osaghae’s petition accuses the Auchi Police Divisional Headquarters of covering up the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death.

The petition, filed on her behalf by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation, a civil society organization, alleges that Mr. Fidelis Osaghae was an employee of Mr. Oyemike Valentine, who owns a hotel, restaurant, and recreational center. Mrs. Osaghae claims her husband died under mysterious circumstances while working with his boss.

According to the petition, on July 28, 2024, Mr. Fidelis Osaghae left for work at Va Lchi Fast Food and Bar in Auchi around 1 pm. At 1:30 am on July 29, as was his habit when he would be home late, he video-called his wife to inform her that he was still at work. He returned home at 2:30 am, telling his wife that his boss, Mr. Valentine, had asked him to bring something back to work. He then left again, promising to return soon.

When Mrs. Osaghae tried to reach her husband at 5 am and couldn’t, she contacted a colleague of his, Tracey, who assured her that everything was under control. However, at 6 am, she received a call from Mr. Valentine asking her to come to Favour Hospital in Afashio, assuring her that her husband was alright. Unable to go herself, she sent her sister, who arrived at the hospital only to find her brother-in-law’s lifeless body in Mr. Valentine’s car.

The hospital reportedly refused to admit Mr. Osaghae, stating he was brought in dead. The family noticed strange marks and injuries on his body, suggesting he might have been tortured before his death.

Mrs. Osaghae’s petition alleges that Mr. Valentine had custody of her husband until his death and that, since the incident, Mr. Valentine has not been arrested or held accountable. She claims the Auchi Police Division has not taken necessary actions and instead quickly exonerated Mr. Valentine as a suspect in her husband’s death.

Expressing a lack of confidence in the local police, Mrs. Osaghae is urging the Inspector General of Police to take over the investigation, believing that the Nigerian police can still deliver justice for her husband’s death.

When contacted, Mr. Valentine did not respond to calls. However, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed that the matter is under investigation.