Edo Police Arrest 4 NSCDC Officers Over Bolt Drivers Death
Tracy Ohovwore, Benin City
Bolt drivers and residents of Benin City protested over the death of a driver, Henry Osemwenkhia, who died following an unjustified assault by four personnel at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
The deceased, Osenwenkhia, drove a customer to De Kaso Hotel along Limit Road, Benin City, where he was reportedly harassed and beaten by NSCDC officers and some individuals. The deceased then complained at the New Etete police station on February 4, 2025.
The police mentioned that the deceased was, however, issued a medical report for treatment but was later found dead the following day while awaiting the results of a scan.
In a statement today by Mr Osi Ogun, the General manager of Bolt Nigeria, he condoled the family of the deceased while strongly condemning the callous behaviour of the NSCDC officers.
“We are aware of the unfortunate incident involving the tragic death of one of our driver-partners. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
“Bolt condemns such incidents and does not condone violence of any kind to drivers. While this incident did not occur during an active trip on our platform, we strongly condemn this heinous act of violence.
“We acknowledge the ongoing investigation by the Edo State Police Command and hope that those responsible will be brought to justice swiftly. The safety and well-being of drivers and passengers remain a top priority for us, and we will work to support relevant authorities until those involved are brought to justice.”We are aware of the unfortunate incident involving the tragic death of one of our driver-partners. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
The death of the deceased sparked unrest and protests at the NSCDC headquarters in Benin as well as the NUJ headquarters in the state.
Also, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the police command, DSP Moses Yamu, disclosed on Thursday while speaking on the conclusion that led to the death of the Bolt driver.
“The command is aware of the death of the Bolt driver allegedly caused by the NSCDC officers. One Henry Osemwenkhia, who is now deceased, reported on February 4 at the New Etete Police Station that he took some passengers to the De Kaso Hotel along Limit Road in Benin and in the process, he had an altercation with a young man.
“He said some of the young man’s friends and some civil defence officers beat him and that, according to him, at a point, they even punctured his tyres. On reporting that matter, they quickly gave him a medical form where he should go for treatment, but unfortunately, on February 5, we received a call that he died in his house while awaiting the results of his scan.”
In retaliation, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, Efosa Ogbebor, expressed that their men went there to separate a dispute and were never involved in a fight with anybody.
He said his men were stationed at the hotel to provide security for the facility. Ogbebor also denied the allegation that his personnel were arrested by the police, saying they just went there to report themselves.
The Edo state police announced the arrest of four NSCDC corps for allegedly beating and inflicting injuries, which led to the death of Bolt driver Henry Osemwenkhia. The police have pledged to catch the culprits and bring them to book while the investigation is ongoing.
