The Rivers State Police Command has arrested some staff members of a hotel in Port Harcourt and friends of a guest in connection with the death of a man identified as Charles.
The deceased, said to be in his mid-20s, reportedly died under mysterious circumstances after lodging at the hotel with friends.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Agabe Blessing Karbolo, said the victim was allegedly pushed from an upper floor of the hotel under circumstances that were yet to be established.
According to her, Charles was immediately rushed to a hospital where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
“The victim’s friends came to the hotel and commenced a protest, which attracted a crowd and threatened to disrupt the peace of the area,” Karbolo said.
“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives promptly mobilised to the scene and successfully brought the situation under control, preventing further breakdown of law and order.”
She added that hotel staff on duty at the time of the incident, as well as the victim’s friends who were present with him, were arrested for questioning and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The police had earlier in the week shut down operations at the hotel pending investigation. Karbolo said the activities of the hotel had been temporarily restricted pending the outcome of the probe.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s brother, Mr. Obomate, alleged that a doctor at the hospital where Charles was taken observed what appeared to be a stab wound on his stomach. He also said the family suspected that an object might have been used to hit the deceased on the neck.
Police said investigation is ongoing to establish the exact cause of death and those responsible.
