NSCDC Officers Arrested Over Bolt Driver’s Death in Benin
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin
Four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been arrested for allegedly assaulting and causing the death of a Bolt driver, Mr. Henry Osewenkhai, in Benin.
Osewenkhai, a married father of two, had transported a passenger to a hotel off Sapele Road on Tuesday when he got into an altercation with unidentified youths and NSCDC officials. Eyewitnesses reported that some suspected internet fraudsters (Yahoo boys) accused him of reckless driving and called the NSCDC officers, who allegedly joined in beating him.
During a peaceful protest at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Edo State, Bolt drivers displayed placards demanding justice for their late colleague, also known as “Lord Is Good.” A protester, Festus Nwabuzor, recounted that Osewenkhai was stopped as he attempted to leave the hotel and was mercilessly beaten by the youths and NSCDC officers providing security for the hotel.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Joel Yamu, confirmed that Osewenkhai had earlier reported the assault at the police station.
He expressed shock at the news of his passing due to internal injuries sustained during the attack.
The four NSCDC officers are now in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is served.
