The Delta State Government has placed the Commissioner for Works in charge of Highways and Urban Roads, Reuben Izeze, on indefinite suspension following allegations that he was connected to an assault on a senior aide to the governor.
The suspension took effect immediately and was announced on Monday, August 10, 2026, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu.
According to the statement, the government acted to allow security agencies to carry out what it described as an “unbiased investigation” into claims linking Ize to the reported attack on Mr. Simon Mudi, the Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, also known as Temple.
The incident is said to have occurred on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Petroleum Training Institute in Effurun, Delta State. Witnesses allege that Mudi was attacked and severely beaten by suspected thugs believed to be linked to the commissioner. He was reportedly taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
The state government said the suspension was necessary to prevent interference while the investigation runs its course.
“The suspension is to enable the Security Agencies carry out an unbiased investigation of allegations associating him with the assault on the Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Mr. Simon Mudi also known as Temple, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, recently,” the statement read.
The government also stressed its commitment to public safety and the rule of law, noting that these principles must be upheld “even when institutions of state are involved.”
Reports on July 27 indicated that Izeze was arrested and taken to the Ekpan Police Station for questioning over the incident. At that time, police authorities had not issued a formal statement confirming the details of his detention or the assault.
The SSG’s statement did not declare Izeze guilty. It noted that the allegations remain unproven and that the suspension will remain in place until security agencies conclude their investigation and establish the facts of what transpired at PTI.
