The family of late Mr. Unity Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Delta State Civil Service, has rejected the Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

The family’s position was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the deceased’s brother, Lloyd Sodje Adeda, on his verified Facebook page.

The family cited concerns over the composition of the panel and the handling of the case, including what it described as the failure to bring persons it considers suspects to justice.

It specifically named Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu as a principal suspect and alleged that other individuals it believes may be connected to the incident had not been brought to justice.

The family also accused the state government of shielding a commissioner whom it alleged was linked to the incident and called on the government to publicly respond to the allegation.

It further faulted the composition of the Administrative Panel, arguing that it comprised only civil servants, without representatives of the deceased’s family, civil society organisations or human rights groups.

According to the family, the absence of independent representation had affected its confidence in the panel’s ability to conduct an investigation that would be credible and acceptable to them.

The family said it would want the state government to address its concerns before further engagement.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the Delta State Government reportedly visited the family on Saturday and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing justice over Adeda’s death.

The rejection of the panel comes amid ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of the civil servant, with the Delta State Police Command having earlier announced the arrest of one suspect and a manhunt for others allegedly connected to the incident.

The allegations against the named individuals remain unproven and have not been established by a court of law. The Administrative Panel of Inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and make recommendations to the state government.