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E-hailing company, Bolt has reacted to the death of one of its drivers, Henry Osemwenkhia, in Benin City, who died following an alleged assault by four personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps who are currently cooling their heels in police custody.
On Thursday, The PUNCH reported how the deceased, Osemwenkhia had reportedly lodged a complaint at the New Etete Police Station on February 4, 2025, alleging that he was beaten by NSCDC officers and some individuals after an altercation at De Kaso Hotel along Limit Road, Benin City.
According to the police, Osemwenkhia was issued a medical report for treatment, but he was later found dead in his home the following day while awaiting the results of a scan.
Following this development, Edo police command had vowed to get to the root of the matter.
In a terse statement on Friday by the company’s General Manager, Bolt Nigeria, Osi Ogun, condoled with the family of the deceased.
While acknowledging the ongoing investigation by the police, Ogun said the company has zero tolerance for any form of violence against any of its drivers.
The company, which also noted that the driver died, not during an active trip on the company’s platform, expressed confidence in the investigation embarked upon by the police.
Ogun’s statement reads, “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.”
The Edo State Police Command on Thursday said its operatives had arrested four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for allegedly beating and inflicting bodily injury on a Bolt driver, Henry Osemwenkhia, which eventually led to his death on February 4.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this while speaking on the circumstances that led to the death of the Bolt driver in Benin City, the state capital.
He said that Osemwenkhia, on February 4, 2025, reported a case of assault on him by men of the NSCDC after dropping off his passenger.
