Four NSCDC Officers Arrested in Connection with Bolt Driver’s Death in Benin
Four NSCDC personnel were arrested after a Bolt driver, Henry Osarodion Osemwenkhia, died from injuries allegedly inflicted by them following a reported assault. Osemwenkhia’s death led to public protests by fellow drivers demanding justice. The NSCDC maintains that their officers were not involved in the altercation but were present to restore order. The police are investigating the incident, which has heightened discussions about security personnel’s conduct in Nigeria.
The Edo State Police have apprehended four personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following the death of a Bolt driver, Henry Osarodion Osemwenkhia, who reportedly suffered injuries inflicted by the officers. Osemwenkhia had reported an assault on February 4, 2025, after a confrontation with men associated with the NSCDC at De Kaso Hotel in Benin City. After seeking medical attention, he tragically passed away the following day, prompting police intervention.
The deceased driver, Osemwenkhia, stated that he had an altercation that escalated to physical violence from NSCDC members, including having his tires punctured. Following his report, the police provided him with a medical examination form. However, hours later, news came of his death at home while awaiting test results.
SP Moses Yamu, the police spokesperson, confirmed that the NSCDC officers are under investigation for their alleged involvement in Osemwenkhia’s death. The case has raised significant public outcry and led to protests from fellow Bolt drivers demanding justice and accountability from security forces.
In response, NSCDC Public Relations Officer Efosa Ogbebor asserted that the officers were simply present to de-escalate the situation and refuted any claims of their participation in the violence. He claimed that the officers reported to the police willingly rather than being arrested.
Protests occurred in Benin City where Bolt drivers rallied at the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ premises, holding signs demanding an end to violence by security agencies. They expressed their need for justice concerning the incident involving their colleague, emphasizing his peaceful nature and the unjust circumstances of his death.
This incident highlights ongoing issues regarding the relationship between security personnel and civilians, particularly the use of excessive force by law enforcement. The Bolt drivers’ protests reflect a growing discontent within the community over police violence and the need for accountability in incidents involving security agencies. The situation represents broader concerns about civil rights and the conduct of security forces in Nigeria.
The alleged beating and subsequent death of Bolt driver Henry Osarodion Osemwenkhia have sparked outrage and protests from fellow drivers demanding justice against security forces. The involvement of NSCDC officers raises significant questions about law enforcement practices and their treatment of civilians. As investigations continue, the collective call for accountability resonates with broader societal issues regarding police conduct and civil rights protection in Nigeria.
Original Source: businessday.ng
