A hotel in Eagle Island Estate, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been shut by the police following the death of a young man identified as Charles under circumstances that have raised concerns among his family and friends.
The incident reportedly occurred early Thursday morning, prompting relatives and friends of the deceased to rush to the hotel and demand clarification from the management.
According to the family, they were informed around 5am that Charles had died after allegedly falling from the balcony of a two-storey building located at the rear of the hotel.
However, the deceased’s relatives questioned the explanation and demanded access to the hotel’s closed-circuit television footage to establish what happened before his death.
Charles’ elder brother, Obomate, said the family noticed signs at the scene that appeared inconsistent with an ordinary fall. He alleged that the area was scattered and contained traces of blood, suggesting that a struggle may have taken place.
Obomate further said that medical personnel who examined the deceased reportedly suspected that some of his injuries were not consistent with a simple fall. According to him, the doctor observed what appeared to be a deep stab wound around the stomach area, as well as an injury around the neck and other bodily injuries.
The family has therefore called for a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Charles’ death and establish whether any criminal act was involved.
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Following the escalating situation at the hotel, officers from the Azikiwe Police Division reportedly arrived at the premises after receiving a distress call and intervened.
The police subsequently shut down the hotel and directed guests and other occupants to leave temporarily. A source familiar with the incident said the action was intended to preserve the scene, protect possible evidence and prevent further confrontation.
The deceased’s family, however, remained at the premises and continued to demand access to the CCTV recordings.
Charles’ remains have reportedly been removed and deposited at an undisclosed mortuary by the police.
As of the time of the report, the Rivers State Police Command had not publicly provided details of its findings, while efforts to obtain an official response from its spokesperson were unsuccessful.
The circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation.
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