A former Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, has slumped and died during a dispute with the operatives of the Edo State Police Command.

It was gathered the incident occurred when Eboigbodin was driving with his spouse through Upper Sakponba Road in Benin, the Edo State capital, on Monday, December 2, 2024.

A source disclosed that police officers stopped Eboigbodin at a police checkpoint and demanded his vehicle particulars, which he provided.

The source said a discrepancy in the documents sparked a heated argument, as the police were said to have accused the former NLC chairman of driving a stolen vehicle.

The source revealed that the policemen allegedly ordered Eboigbodin to drive to their station, which the ex-NLC boss refused, demanding to know his offence.

The situation was said to have degenerated into arguments and Eboigbodin, who had become infuriated, slumped on the spot.

It was gathered that the police officers fled the scene, leaving Eboigbodin’s wife to rush him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The incident was confirmed by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, on Wednesday, December 4.

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Yamu said the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that caused Eboigbodin’s death.

Yamu quoted Ozigi as saying the police would investigate issues of unprofessional conduct in the incident.

Iyamu stated: “The CP wishes to use this medium to commiserate with the widow, family, friends and associates of the deceased over the loss and pray for the repose of his soul.

“The CP noted the cordial working relationship existing between the police, civil society organisations, NLC, and all critical stakeholders in the state and has, therefore, directed the immediate investigation into the incident.

“The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails in every situation.”

The Star