A 62-year-old hotel attendant, Abel Johnson, was found dead in his room at the De-Lay Classic Hotel in Kajola Village, near Obafe Town, Ogun State. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has left the community in shock and prompted an investigation by the Ogun State Police Command.
According to the police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, Johnson was last seen in good health around 11:00 a.m. on Thursday before retiring to his room for the night. Concern arose the next morning when he failed to report for duty. His colleague, Shobayo Ahmed, accompanied by a woman identified as Johnson Blessing, reported the incident to the Owode Egba Police Division around 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
Police Find No Signs of Foul Play
Upon visiting the scene, detectives conducted a physical examination of Johnson’s body and found no visible signs of violence or foul play. Odutola stated, “He was found in the hotel room. There were no signs of foul play when detectives from the Owode Egba Division visited the hotel room.”
Photographs of the scene were taken, and the body was subsequently moved to the State Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta, for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The results of the autopsy are expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death.
A Series of Similar Incidents in Ogun State
This incident is not isolated, as similar cases have been reported in Ogun State in recent months. In November 2024, the lifeless body of 51-year-old Sunday Abidoye was discovered in a room at Creestar Hotel in the GRA area of Sagamu. Similarly, in February 2025, the body of a police inspector, Haruna Mohammed, was found at Super G Royal Hotel in the Anthony Uzum Estate, Oyeyemi Akute area of the state.
These incidents have raised concerns about safety and security in hotels and other lodging facilities across the state. While the police have not established a direct link between the cases, the recurring nature of such events has prompted calls for increased vigilance and improved safety measures in the hospitality industry.
Community Reacts to Johnson’s Death
The news of Abel Johnson’s death has left his colleagues and the local community in mourning. Described as a diligent and hardworking individual, Johnson was well-regarded by those who knew him. His sudden and unexplained death has left many questions unanswered, with residents hoping that the autopsy will shed light on what transpired.
A staff member at De-Lay Classic Hotel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed shock over the incident. “He was a quiet and dedicated man. We never expected something like this to happen. We are all devastated,” the staff member said.
Police Urge Calm and Cooperation
The Ogun State Police Command has urged the public to remain calm while the investigation is ongoing. Odutola emphasized that the police are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served. She also called on hotel operators and residents to report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
“We are treating this case with the seriousness it deserves. We urge anyone with useful information to come forward and assist us in our investigation,” Odutola said.
Calls for Improved Safety Measures
In light of the recent incidents, there have been growing calls for improved safety measures in hotels and other lodging facilities across Ogun State. Stakeholders in the hospitality industry are being urged to prioritize the safety and well-being of their guests and staff by implementing stricter security protocols and conducting regular safety audits.
Additionally, there is a push for increased collaboration between hotel operators and law enforcement agencies to address potential security threats and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation into Abel Johnson’s death continues, the community remains hopeful that the authorities will uncover the truth and bring closure to his family and loved ones. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and security in public spaces, particularly in the hospitality industry.
For now, the focus remains on supporting Johnson’s family and ensuring that his death is thoroughly investigated. The outcome of the autopsy and the police investigation will be crucial in determining the next steps and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
In the meantime, residents and hotel operators are being urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety in their daily operations. The hope is that through collective efforts, such incidents can be minimized, and the hospitality industry can continue to thrive in a safe and secure environment.
