A 56-year-old Egyptian national, Mohammed Saleh, died after slumping during dinner at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel in Wuse Zone 4 on Friday night. The incident occurred around 9:24 p.m. while Saleh was dining with three companions.
Response and Investigation
The hotel's Security Supervisor, Francis Yusuf, promptly reported the case to the Wuse Division Police. Saleh was rushed to Kings Care Hospital, Wuse Zone 4, and later referred to Wuse District Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. The body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for an autopsy.
The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Saleh's death. According to sources, the investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of death ¹.
Similar Incidents in Abuja Hotels
There have been other incidents of mysterious deaths in Abuja hotels. For instance, a young woman named Aladi Offikwu Johnson, popularly known as Tessy, was found dead in a hotel room in Gwarinpa, Abuja, with her hands tied behind her back. The police have previously investigated similar cases, emphasizing the importance of hotel security protocols and surveillance systems ² ³.
Importance of Hotel Security
The FCT Police Command has stressed the need for hotels to strengthen internal security protocols, including mandatory identity verification for guests and functional surveillance systems. This would aid in deterrence and investigation, ensuring the safety of guests and helping to prevent such incidents in the future ².
