Three Arrested as AAU Lecturer Dies in Ekpoma Hotel
Three persons have been arrested following the death of Dr. Matthew Uwuigbe, a senior lecturer at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, after he was found unresponsive in a hotel room in the town.
The incident occurred on Monday, October 5, at One Corner Hotel, located before Mosco Junction, Ekpoma. Uwuigbe, a lecturer in the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, was reportedly at the hotel with a 21-year-old sex worker, identified as Angela Jacob.
According to reports, Uwuigbe asked Jacob to get him water after their encounter. She reportedly returned to the room and found the lecturer unresponsive on the bed, prompting her to alert the hotel management.
The matter was reported to the police at about 8 p.m., after which officers visited the hotel and took Uwuigbe’s remains to the Oriaifo Memorial Hospital mortuary. Jacob, the hotel owner and the hotel manager were subsequently arrested as investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death commenced.
The death has generated reactions within the AAU community, where Uwuigbe was popularly known as “King of Boys.” Students and alumni remembered him for his humour, charisma and accessibility, while videos showing his interactions with students in the classroom have resurfaced online following the incident.
AAU’s Public Relations Officer, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, confirmed Uwuigbe’s death, describing it as shocking. He said the lecturer was a member of the university’s staff but noted that the circumstances surrounding the incident were personal and unrelated to the institution. Police investigation is ongoing.
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