OWHELOGBO/Nigeria: The Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, Godwin Ogorugba, has sealed off Century Home Hotel in Owhelogbo community following allegations of kidnapping and other criminal activities within the premises.
The closure comes after the gruesome murder of Sunday Ogofotha, an indigene of the community based in Lagos, who was allegedly kidnapped and killed in the hotel. Ogofotha had traveled from Lagos last Friday to attend a relative’s burial but unknowingly checked into what locals have described as a “den of kidnappers.”
Sources revealed that his relatives became concerned when he failed to show up for the funeral on Saturday. His wife informed them that he had checked into Century Home Hotel upon arrival. When family members visited the hotel to make inquiries, the management denied having any record of his stay.
Following a heated argument, the family, assisted by members of the local vigilante group, insisted on searching the rooms. Suspicion heightened when the hotel owner, Chief Joseph Ovie Oghole, attempted to prevent them from accessing a particular room, claiming it was occupied. Undeterred, the group forced the door open, only to discover Ogofotha’s lifeless body tied up with multiple injuries, including gruesome mutilation.
Further investigations uncovered disturbing evidence linking the hotel to previous crimes. The Point of Sale (POS) machine and other valuables belonging to a murdered female POS operator, who was killed under similar circumstances last year, were found in the hotel. The wife of the security guard later confessed that her husband was involved in the woman’s killing and had buried her at the back of the hotel.
Locals described the establishment as a notorious hideout for ritual killings and criminal activities, pointing out that while the hotel’s front and sides were well-fenced and painted, the back—facing a bush and a stream—was left open, allegedly serving as an escape route for criminals.
During a visit to the crime scene on Tuesday, Ogorugba, accompanied by security personnel and government officials, expressed deep shock and regret over the horrific incident. He emphasized the growing security concerns in the area and justified the recently imposed curfew in the local government.
“The police are actively investigating, and we are determined to ensure justice is served,” Ogorugba stated. “This hotel must remain sealed, and I warn anyone using their property for illegal activities, including kidnapping, that the law will catch up with them.”
The council chairman also revealed that the management of Century Home Hotel had failed to attend a recent security meeting convened for hotel owners in the area. He stressed the importance of maintaining a manifest to track customer check-ins and vowed to take decisive action against property owners aiding criminal activities.
As of the time of filing this report, Ogofotha’s remains had been deposited at a mortuary in Ozoro, the headquarters of the local government. Attempts to reach Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for comments were unsuccessful, but police sources confirmed the arrests of the hotel owner and other suspects linked to the crime.
