Bolt Drivers Protest Killing Of Colleague, Demand Justice in Edo
Bolt drivers in Edo State have staged a protest demanding justice for their colleague, Henry Osarodion Osemwhenkhai, who was killed in Benin City. The protest, organized by the E-hailing Drivers association, took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, where they called for the arrest and prosecution of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) officers allegedly involved in the killing.
The drivers, holding placards with messages like “Enough of the Brutality by Security Agencies,” “Bolt Drivers are not Slaves,” and “Justice for Henry,” decried the violent death of Osemwhenkhai, describing it as a “gruesome murder.”
According to spokesperson Festus Nwabuzor, the incident occurred when Osemwhenkhai dropped off a passenger at Castle Hotel along Limit Road, Benin City. A lodger at the hotel reportedly became angry after almost hitting the driver’s vehicle and began beating him. Nwabuzor stated that instead of intervening to resolve the altercation, NSCDC officers stationed at the hotel reportedly joined the lodgers in assaulting Osemwhenkhai, leading to his death.
The protesting drivers appealed to the Nigerian Police and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing, particularly reviewing CCTV footage from the hotel to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Another driver, Mr. Rosor Ruben, called on the state government to intervene and ensure that justice was served, aligning with the administration’s commitment to the safety of Edo residents.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Edo State, CSP Moses Yamu, stated that four NSCDC officers had been arrested in connection with Osemwhenkhai’s death and were in police custody. CSP Yamu assured the public that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Betty Osetimeyin, had ordered a full investigation, and the suspects would be prosecuted in court. The police further vowed to ensure the matter would be resolved justly, emphasizing transparency in the process.
