The Edo State Police Command has arrested four operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over their alleged involvement in the brutal assault of a Bolt driver, Henry Osarodion Osemwenkhia, which reportedly led to his death in Benin City.
According to the state police spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, the incident occurred on February 4, 2025, when Osemwenkhia had a confrontation with a group of individuals, including NSCDC personnel, at De Kaso Hotel on Limit Road, Benin City. The altercation allegedly escalated, leading to severe physical assault on the driver.
Speaking on the case, Yamu disclosed that Osemwenkhia had initially reported the attack at the New Etete Police Station, where officers advised him to undergo a medical check-up. However, tragically, he passed away the following day before receiving his test results.
“The command is aware of the incident allegedly caused by NSCDC officers. On February 4, the deceased reported an assault case at the New Etete Police Station. He stated that he had transported passengers to De Kaso Hotel, where an altercation broke out, involving some NSCDC officers. He also claimed that his tyres were punctured during the confrontation. As a result, he was issued a medical form to seek treatment,” Yamu said.
“Unfortunately, on February 5, we received a distress call that he had died in his residence. His body has been deposited at the hospital, and the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. At present, four NSCDC officers are in police custody,” he added.
NSCDC Denies Wrongdoing
In response to the allegations, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State NSCDC Command, Efosa Ogbebor, denied any involvement of the officers in a physical altercation. According to him, the personnel were stationed at the hotel for security purposes and had only intervened to separate a fight.
“Our men were present at the scene, but they were not involved in any fight. Their duty was to provide security for the hotel, and they only stepped in to mediate the situation. Also, the claim that our personnel were arrested is incorrect. They voluntarily presented themselves to the police for questioning,” Ogbebor stated.
Bolt Drivers Protest Over Colleague’s Death
The incident has sparked outrage among Bolt drivers in Edo State, who staged a peaceful demonstration demanding justice for their deceased colleague. Protesters gathered at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Benin City, holding placards with messages such as: “Enough of brutality by security agencies,” “Bolt drivers are not slaves,” and “Justice for Henry.”
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved drivers, Festus Nwanbuzo described Osemwenkhia as a peaceful individual who never engaged in violence. “We are deeply saddened by his death. Henry was a calm and easygoing person who could never hurt a fly. We demand justice and a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” he said.
The incident has reignited concerns over the use of force by security personnel in Nigeria, with human rights activists calling for stricter regulations and accountability for law enforcement agencies. Cases of brutality involving security operatives, including the NSCDC and the police, have led to repeated public outcries, with citizens demanding reforms to curb extrajudicial actions.
While the Edo State Police Command has assured the public of a transparent investigation, Osemwenkhia’s death remains a painful reminder of the dangers faced by civilians in confrontations with security agencies. The coming days will be crucial as authorities determine whether the NSCDC officers will face prosecution over the tragic incident.
Police Arrest Four NSCDC Officers Over Bolt Driver’s Death
The Edo State Police Command has arrested four operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over their alleged involvement in the brutal assault of a Bolt driver, Henry Osarodion Osemwenkhia, which reportedly led to his death in Benin City.
According to the state police spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, the incident occurred on February 4, 2025, when Osemwenkhia had a confrontation with a group of individuals, including NSCDC personnel, at De Kaso Hotel on Limit Road, Benin City. The altercation allegedly escalated, leading to severe physical assault on the driver.
Speaking on the case, Yamu disclosed that Osemwenkhia had initially reported the attack at the New Etete Police Station, where officers advised him to undergo a medical check-up. However, tragically, he passed away the following day before receiving his test results.
“The command is aware of the incident allegedly caused by NSCDC officers. On February 4, the deceased reported an assault case at the New Etete Police Station. He stated that he had transported passengers to De Kaso Hotel, where an altercation broke out, involving some NSCDC officers. He also claimed that his tyres were punctured during the confrontation. As a result, he was issued a medical form to seek treatment,” Yamu said.
“Unfortunately, on February 5, we received a distress call that he had died in his residence. His body has been deposited at the hospital, and the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. At present, four NSCDC officers are in police custody,” he added.
NSCDC Denies Wrongdoing
In response to the allegations, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State NSCDC Command, Efosa Ogbebor, denied any involvement of the officers in a physical altercation. According to him, the personnel were stationed at the hotel for security purposes and had only intervened to separate a fight.
“Our men were present at the scene, but they were not involved in any fight. Their duty was to provide security for the hotel, and they only stepped in to mediate the situation. Also, the claim that our personnel were arrested is incorrect. They voluntarily presented themselves to the police for questioning,” Ogbebor stated.
Bolt Drivers Protest Over Colleague’s Death
The incident has sparked outrage among Bolt drivers in Edo State, who staged a peaceful demonstration demanding justice for their deceased colleague. Protesters gathered at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Benin City, holding placards with messages such as: “Enough of brutality by security agencies,” “Bolt drivers are not slaves,” and “Justice for Henry.”
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved drivers, Festus Nwanbuzo described Osemwenkhia as a peaceful individual who never engaged in violence. “We are deeply saddened by his death. Henry was a calm and easygoing person who could never hurt a fly. We demand justice and a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” he said.
