The Edo State Police Command has arrested four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over the alleged assault and death of a Bolt driver, Henry Osemwenkhia, in Benin City.
The spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, DSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrests on Thursday, stating that investigations were ongoing to determine what led to the tragic incident.
Osemwenkhia had reportedly visited the New Etete Police Station on February 4, 2025, where he filed a complaint, claiming he was attacked by NSCDC officers and some individuals following a disagreement at De Kaso Hotel, located along Limit Road in Benin City.
“The deceased had taken some passengers to the hotel when an argument ensued between him and a young man. He claimed that the young man’s friends, along with NSCDC personnel, attacked him and even deflated his car tyres,” Yamu said.
Following the complaint, Osemwenkhia was given a medical report and advised to seek treatment. However, the situation took a tragic turn when he was later found dead at his home the next day while waiting for the results of a medical scan.
“We received information that he passed away in his house on February 5. His body has been deposited at the hospital for further examination,” Yamu added.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police has since ordered a thorough investigation into the case, assuring that those responsible would be held accountable.
However, the Edo State NSCDC spokesperson, Efosa Ogbebor, denied the allegations against their officers, stating that they were only at the hotel to provide security and did not engage in any form of violence.
“Our men were on duty at the hotel to provide security and only intervened to separate a fight. They were not involved in any attack,” Ogbebor stated.
He also clarified that NSCDC operatives were not arrested but voluntarily reported to the police for questioning.
Meanwhile, Bolt drivers in Edo State staged a protest on Thursday, demanding justice for their late colleague. The demonstrators gathered at the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, carrying placards with messages such as “Enough of brutality by security agencies,” “Bolt drivers are not slaves,” and “Justice for Henry Osemwenkhia.”
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Festus Nwanbuzo described the deceased as a peaceful individual and called for a transparent investigation into the incident.
“We want justice. Henry was a law-abiding driver who never looked for trouble. We won’t stop until those responsible are held accountable,” he said.
