Lagos hotel lied my nephew drowned in their swimming pool – Uncle

Henry Airenekhuemen, uncle of 29-year-old Eromosele Ihenyen, who died at Signature Hotel in Lagos, speaks to GRACE EDEMA about his nephew’s sudden death, the police investigation, and why the family believes the matter goes beyond the claim that his son drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool What was your relationship with the deceased? The deceased was my son. I call him my son because he grew up with me, even though I am not his biological father. He came to live with me when he was still a young boy. That was shortly after the death of his biological father. He has been with me since then — from primary school through secondary school, and into adulthood. How old was he, and what was his occupation? He was 29 years old. He learnt aluminium fabrication and was doing well in his work. From the day he came into my house until the day he died, he always called me ‘Daddy’. There is no situation — even in death — where I would not call him my son. What exactly happened on Saturday, January 31, 2026? On January 31, around 9:23 pm, I received a call from one of my boys — his elder brother — that he had been taken to the Isolo General Hospital for treatment. They said the hospital rejected him because no family member was present. I told them I was on my way. Before I could get there, another call came from his immediate younger brother, saying he had arrived at the hospital and met him, dead. I rushed there immediately. What did you meet when you got to the hospital? When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What was your relationship with the deceased? The deceased was my son. I call him my son because he grew up with me, even though I am not his biological father. He came to live with me when he was still a young boy. That was shortly after the death of his biological father. He has been with me since then — from primary school through secondary school, and into adulthood. How old was he, and what was his occupation? He was 29 years old. He learnt aluminium fabrication and was doing well in his work. From the day he came into my house until the day he died, he always called me ‘Daddy’. There is no situation — even in death — where I would not call him my son. What exactly happened on Saturday, January 31, 2026? On January 31, around 9:23 pm, I received a call from one of my boys — his elder brother — that he had been taken to the Isolo General Hospital for treatment. They said the hospital rejected him because no family member was present. I told them I was on my way. Before I could get there, another call came from his immediate younger brother, saying he had arrived at the hospital and met him, dead. I rushed there immediately. What did you meet when you got to the hospital? When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. The deceased was my son. I call him my son because he grew up with me, even though I am not his biological father. He came to live with me when he was still a young boy. That was shortly after the death of his biological father. He has been with me since then — from primary school through secondary school, and into adulthood. How old was he, and what was his occupation? He was 29 years old. He learnt aluminium fabrication and was doing well in his work. From the day he came into my house until the day he died, he always called me ‘Daddy’. There is no situation — even in death — where I would not call him my son. What exactly happened on Saturday, January 31, 2026? On January 31, around 9:23 pm, I received a call from one of my boys — his elder brother — that he had been taken to the Isolo General Hospital for treatment. They said the hospital rejected him because no family member was present. I told them I was on my way. Before I could get there, another call came from his immediate younger brother, saying he had arrived at the hospital and met him, dead. I rushed there immediately. What did you meet when you got to the hospital? When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. That was shortly after the death of his biological father. He has been with me since then — from primary school through secondary school, and into adulthood. How old was he, and what was his occupation? He was 29 years old. He learnt aluminium fabrication and was doing well in his work. From the day he came into my house until the day he died, he always called me ‘Daddy’. There is no situation — even in death — where I would not call him my son. What exactly happened on Saturday, January 31, 2026? On January 31, around 9:23 pm, I received a call from one of my boys — his elder brother — that he had been taken to the Isolo General Hospital for treatment. They said the hospital rejected him because no family member was present. I told them I was on my way. Before I could get there, another call came from his immediate younger brother, saying he had arrived at the hospital and met him, dead. I rushed there immediately. What did you meet when you got to the hospital? When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. How old was he, and what was his occupation? He was 29 years old. He learnt aluminium fabrication and was doing well in his work. From the day he came into my house until the day he died, he always called me ‘Daddy’. There is no situation — even in death — where I would not call him my son. What exactly happened on Saturday, January 31, 2026? On January 31, around 9:23 pm, I received a call from one of my boys — his elder brother — that he had been taken to the Isolo General Hospital for treatment. They said the hospital rejected him because no family member was present. I told them I was on my way. Before I could get there, another call came from his immediate younger brother, saying he had arrived at the hospital and met him, dead. I rushed there immediately. What did you meet when you got to the hospital? When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. He was 29 years old. He learnt aluminium fabrication and was doing well in his work. From the day he came into my house until the day he died, he always called me ‘Daddy’. There is no situation — even in death — where I would not call him my son. What exactly happened on Saturday, January 31, 2026? On January 31, around 9:23 pm, I received a call from one of my boys — his elder brother — that he had been taken to the Isolo General Hospital for treatment. They said the hospital rejected him because no family member was present. I told them I was on my way. Before I could get there, another call came from his immediate younger brother, saying he had arrived at the hospital and met him, dead. I rushed there immediately. What did you meet when you got to the hospital? When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What exactly happened on Saturday, January 31, 2026? On January 31, around 9:23 pm, I received a call from one of my boys — his elder brother — that he had been taken to the Isolo General Hospital for treatment. They said the hospital rejected him because no family member was present. I told them I was on my way. Before I could get there, another call came from his immediate younger brother, saying he had arrived at the hospital and met him, dead. I rushed there immediately. What did you meet when you got to the hospital? When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. On January 31, around 9:23 pm, I received a call from one of my boys — his elder brother — that he had been taken to the Isolo General Hospital for treatment. They said the hospital rejected him because no family member was present. I told them I was on my way. Before I could get there, another call came from his immediate younger brother, saying he had arrived at the hospital and met him, dead. I rushed there immediately. What did you meet when you got to the hospital? When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Before I could get there, another call came from his immediate younger brother, saying he had arrived at the hospital and met him, dead. I rushed there immediately. What did you meet when you got to the hospital? When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What did you meet when you got to the hospital? When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. When I arrived, I asked after him and was told he was inside a vehicle. They opened the back door of the car, and I saw his lifeless body in the back seat. I asked his friend what had happened, and he said they found him inside a swimming pool at a hotel. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Did that explanation make sense to you? No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. No. This was a boy who swam in rivers. So, I asked myself: how can someone who swam in rivers drown in a swimming pool? I observed his body. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Someone who drowned usually has a swollen stomach from water intake. But his stomach was completely flat. The only thing I noticed was a white foamy substance coming out of his mouth. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Was his body wet when you saw it? No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. No. His body and knickers were completely dry. That raised serious questions. Also, considering the time, they said they brought him to the hospital shortly after the incident; yet his body was already stiff by the time I arrived from around 9:40 pm to 9:50 pm. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. That shouldn’t happen so quickly. Another disturbing thing was that he arrived at the hospital naked. Till today, we do not know where his clothes are. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What happened next? The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. The police were invited. Two officers came to the hospital, did what they needed to do, documented everything, and we moved the body to the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Later that night, around 3 am or 4 am, we went to the police station at Ajao Estate to make formal statements. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Did you visit the hotel where the incident allegedly happened? Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Yes. The following morning, after statements were taken, the police mobilised, and we went to the hotel. We discovered that after his death, the event continued till dawn. They said it was a pool party, a ‘water party.’ When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. When we checked the pool area, the only thing we found was one leg of his palm slippers beside the pool. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Who invited him to the hotel? According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. According to his friend, Afeez, he invited him to help sell tickets for the event. There was also a girl who came with them. The three of them arrived together. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What did the police say about the investigation? The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. The police said they needed to investigate properly. They asked for the presence of the girl who was with them. My brothers were asked to bring her from Abule-Egba. There were challenges initially, but eventually, the girl and her father cooperated, and she was taken to the Ajao Estate Police Station to give a statement. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. At what point did you begin to suspect foul play? At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. At the station, a man approached my brother and asked, ‘What do you people want?’ When asked who he was, he said he was a representative of the hotel. He was trying to talk us out of seeking justice. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Around the same time, the police officer in charge mentioned, ‘What if the CCTV is not working?’ — even before checking it. He told the DPO this when she asked if they had checked the CCTV. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. That statement disturbed us deeply. How can you conclude that CCTV won’t work when you haven’t investigated? Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Do you have any other information from the hotel? One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. One hotel representative tried to console us and spoke vaguely, but could not clearly explain what happened. When questioned about renovations and why a party was still hosted under such circumstances, he had no convincing answer about it, and what happened to my son. He practically turned his head down and said nothing to us. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What was the final decision of the police? When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. When the DPO arrived, she handled the matter professionally. She said the case was beyond the station and ordered that it be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, Panti, Yaba. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. The hotel manager, the event organiser, Afeez, and the girl were all documented as part of the investigation. As of now, the matter is with the State CID, and the investigation is ongoing. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What is the current status of the investigation? As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. As we speak, we were informed that the hotel has been sealed. The investigation is still ongoing. This morning (Wednesday), they said some people were asked to come and sign one or two documents as part of the investigative process. So, that is where things stand at the moment. Related News Police declare two wanted over Ogun FRSC officer, daughter's murder Gunmen kill man, abduct wife in Kebbi Police probe shooting of Broda Shaggy in Ogun In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. In your view, what do you think actually happened to your nephew? I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. I cannot say exactly what happened. I am not an expert. But as a layman, there are things that do not add up. If someone truly drowned in a swimming pool, his stomach should be swollen from water intake. His body, hair, and clothes should be wet. That was not the case. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Secondly, there was a heavy, but foamy substance coming out of his mouth and nose. From what I know, that does not align with drowning. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Thirdly, his body became stiff very quickly. Even in the village, when someone dies, people say the body is still warm and wait for hours. But in his case, within a short time, his body was already stiff. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. I also asked where they found him, and they said at the bottom of the pool. Someone who drinks water while drowning should float, not sink. A body sinks when there is no life in it. Again, I am not an expert — that is why we are relying on the security agencies to uncover the truth. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. You earlier mentioned attempts by the hotel to reach the family. Can you explain that? Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Yes. When my brothers returned from the police station on the day they could not see the DPO, one of them received a call saying the hotel management wanted to meet with the family. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. The call was made from the Signature Hotel. We waited, but the person never came. The following day, we learnt that the same man said he became afraid to come after seeing the matter on social media. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Were there cuts or wounds anywhere on his body? No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. No, I did not see any mark on his body. What I observed was that his stomach was flat. There were no visible injuries. What I noticed was that foam came out from his nose and mouth. There were no cuts. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Did you suspect he might have been injured or restrained in any way? I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. I cannot say for sure. That is why we believe there is something we may not be seeing. I do not know if something was used to block his nose or if someone held him from behind and strangled him. I am not an expert, and there were no visible marks to suggest strangulation. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Was there any smell suggesting alcohol or poison? No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. No. There was no smell at all — no alcohol, no chemicals, nothing of that sort. We even tried to observe that, but there was nothing. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What time did he leave the house that day? From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. From his brother, I learnt he left the house between 3 pm and 4 pm. He later sent a message around 5 pm, saying he had arrived at the venue. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Did anyone check his body thoroughly at the mortuary? I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. I personally did not turn his body over. However, the police officers and others who went into the mortuary confirmed that they did not see any cut or injury. There was no mark on his head to suggest he hit it against the pool or anything like that. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. How many people are currently in police custody? From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. From what I have been told, about four people — the friend, the lady who was with them, the hotel manager, and the event organiser. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Tell us about the deceased. What kind of person was he? That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. That is why I say he was my son, a true son. When you meet him, you know you have met a human being. He was gentle, loyal, and trustworthy. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. If he accepted you as a friend, he trusted you completely. He was hardworking and honest. He was an aluminium fabricator and was working at a site in Ikoyi (Lekki axis). He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. He only went out that weekend because he believed it was an opportunity to make extra money. He was not lazy. Any honest work was good for him. But he never involved himself in crime or anything evil. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. He even told me that whatever he made would help him transport himself to church on Sunday before returning to work on Monday. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What was his relationship with the friend who invited him? They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. They were very close. They worked together at the same site. They were not casual friends — they were together almost every day. During Christmas and New Year, his friend, Afeez, spent the holidays with him. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Both of them even came to my house together. That was how close they were. That is why it is difficult for us to understand how this could happen. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the case? For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. For now, since the case has been transferred to the State CID and the hotel has been sealed, I will commend them. I believe they are taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, when the report comes out, we will know whether we are satisfied or not. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. But for now, from what I hear, they are not happy about how the incident was handled, especially the fact that the party continued after his death. All I seek now is justice. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What impact has his death had on the family? He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. He has left a big vacuum. He has a son who is almost two years old. The child’s mother is devastated. His mother in the village is also deeply affected, and I have sent people to stay with her. This is a painful loss for the entire family. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. How are you related to him — is it through his father or mother? The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. The relationship is through his mother. His mother is my elder sister. After their father died, I took the responsibility of supporting the family as much as I could. That was why we brought them to Lagos, so I could assist and ensure they had better opportunities. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. What message do you have for the government, Nigerians, and the police? First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. First, I want to commend the DPO of Ajao Estate Police Station. From what my brothers told me, she handled the matter with maturity and professionalism. God will bless her. I believe in the truth. Nobody should try to be clever or manipulate situations. At the end of the day, nobody owns this world. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society. I appeal to the government and the police to get to the root of this matter and allow justice to prevail. When justice is done, there will be peace — not just for our family, but for society.