The Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the mysterious and suspicious death of Fidelis Osaghae, an employee of Valchi Fast Food and Bar in Auchi, Edo State.
Osaghae’s death occurred on July 29, 2024, under questionable circumstances, after he was summoned by his employer, Valentine Oyemike, in the early hours of the morning.
According to the deceased’s wife, Esther, Osaghae had called her on a video call around 1:30 am, which was his usual practice when he was delayed in returning home. He later rushed home at 2:30 am, saying his boss had asked him to bring “something” back to work. When Esther woke up at 5 am and realized her husband had not returned, she started calling his phone but couldn’t reach him.
Esther claimed that she contacted the supervisor at the facility, who assured her that everything was under control and ended the call.
However, Mr. Valentine later called her to come to the hospital, where she found her husband’s body in Mr. Valentine’s car. The hospital reportedly rejected the corpse because it was brought in dead.
Esther and her sister observed strange marks and injuries on the deceased’s body, which may have been a result of torture and pain inflicted before his death.
The circumstances surrounding Osaghae’s death are suspicious, and his family is demanding a thorough investigation.
The Akin Fadeyi Foundation has filed a petition on behalf of the deceased’s wife, calling for an investigation into Osaghae’s death. The petition alleges that the local police division in Auchi has shown a lack of willingness to investigate the matter thoroughly and has already exonerated Mr. Valentine, who is reportedly an influential person in the area.
The foundation claims that the police have failed to take necessary actions to address the suspicious homicide, raising concerns of police complicity and cover-up.
The petition urges the Inspector-General of Police to investigate Osaghae’s death, citing the suspicious circumstances and the need for justice.
The Edo State Police Command has assured that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department and that the outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded.
