In a tragic and disturbing turn of events, the Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the manager of Century Home Hotel in Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area, alongside three other suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a guest, Bishop Sunday Ogofotha.
The arrest followed the discovery of Ogofotha’s lifeless body on March 21, 2025, in the hotel room where he had been staying. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the safety of hotel guests in the region. The authorities are now piecing together the details of the murder, with the police saying that the manager of the hotel conspired with two accomplices, promising him N5,000,000 to allow them access to the victim’s room.
Bishop Sunday Ogofotha, a native of Owhelogbo community, had arrived in the area from Lagos to attend the funeral of a relative. According to reports, Ogofotha checked into Century Home Hotel and made a phone call to his wife to inform her of his location. The funeral was scheduled for Saturday, but when Ogofotha failed to appear, his concerned family members attempted to reach him.
His wife, unable to get in touch with him, informed other relatives of his whereabouts. They immediately contacted the hotel to inquire about Ogofotha’s status. However, hotel management initially denied any knowledge of the guest. After much back-and-forth, the family insisted on checking the hotel rooms, but the management resisted their request.
The situation escalated when the hotel owner, Chief Joseph Ovie Oghole, tried to prevent the family from entering a specific room. He claimed that the guests in the room were engaged in intimate activities and should not be disturbed. Despite his objections, the family and members of the community’s vigilante group managed to break down the door. Inside the room, they discovered Ogofotha’s body on the bed, tied with ropes, and bearing numerous injuries.
The discovery was horrifying. Ogofotha had been murdered, and the cause of death was later confirmed to be multiple injuries inflicted on him. His body was subsequently taken to the mortuary in Ozoro, the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government, for autopsy and further investigation.
Following the grim discovery, the Delta State Police Command launched a swift investigation. The hotel manager, along with three others, was arrested for their involvement in the crime. The suspects allegedly had prior knowledge of the murder and played key roles in facilitating it.
According to the police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the hotel manager, identified as the prime suspect, had conspired with two young men who had promised him a large sum of money, N5,000,000, in exchange for allowing them access to Ogofotha’s room. It is believed that the suspects intended to carry out the crime after gaining entry into the hotel room.
The arrests were made following a detailed investigation, and the suspects were paraded before the media on March 28, 2025, at the Delta State Police Command headquarters. The police have stated that they are continuing their efforts to uncover all the details surrounding the crime and ensure that justice is served.
The investigation is ongoing, with the police working tirelessly to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The shocking nature of the murder, particularly the involvement of the hotel management, has raised concerns within the local community. Many are asking how such a crime could have taken place in a relatively small community where hospitality businesses are often trusted by the public.
The community has expressed outrage at the hotel’s management and the involvement of the suspects, calling for swift justice. The family of the deceased, particularly Ogofotha’s wife, has demanded that those responsible for the crime be brought to justice. The family and other members of the community have vowed to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the quest for justice.
This incident has highlighted a number of pressing issues related to the safety of guests in hotels, particularly in smaller communities where security measures may be lacking. The fact that the hotel management initially tried to prevent the family from checking the rooms raises serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of the establishment.
It also brings to light the potential dangers posed by unregulated access to hotel rooms. While many hotels are trusted with the safety and well-being of their guests, this incident underscores the need for more stringent regulations and better security protocols in the hospitality industry. Guests should feel confident that their safety is a top priority when they check into a hotel.
