Police begin investigation into death of hotel employee in Edo

The Edo State Police have announced that investigations are ongoing into the mysterious death of Fidelis Osaghae in Auchi area of ​​Edo State.

Fidelis, an employee of Valchi Fast Food and Bar, was said to have died under questionable circumstances on Monday, July 29, 2024, after he was allegedly summoned by his employer, Valentine Oyemike, in the early hours of the morning.

State Police Spokesman Moses Joel informed our correspondent on Saturday that the case had been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

“The case has been referred to the SCID Homicide Unit for investigation. It is a case of murder, not theft, so a full investigation is required. The result will be published once it is completed.”

The deceased's wife, Esther, called for an investigation into her husband's suspicious death.

Speaking to our correspondent last Tuesday, the breastfeeding mother said she was alarmed when she woke up at around 5am to find that he had not returned from work.

She said: “My husband went to work on Sunday, July 28th.

On Monday, July 29, 2024, in the early hours of the morning, he video called me around 1:30 am while I was at work. He usually video calls me when he is late coming home.

Later, he rushed home at 2:30 am and told me his boss asked him to bring “something” to work. He then left and returned to work around 2:30 am and said he would be back soon. When it was about 5 am, I woke up and realized he was not back. I called him but could not reach him.”

She later claimed that she contacted the facility's supervisor, who assured her that everything was under control and ended the conversation. Esther added that Mr. Valentine later called her to take her to the hospital.

“Several attempts to reach the manager to find out what happened to my husband were unsuccessful as she stopped answering her calls. Later that morning, around 6am, I received a call from Mr Valentine telling me to come to Favour Hospital, Afasho, Edo State. I asked him if there was any problem but he assured me that my husband was fine. Since I am a nursing mother, my elder sister went to the hospital on my behalf.”

Esther said when her sister arrived at the hospital, she found her husband's body in Mr. Valentine's car.

She added that she was later told at the hospital that her husband's body had not been accepted because he had been delivered dead.

She also mentioned that she and her sister had noticed strange marks and injuries on the deceased's body, which may have been the result of torture and pain inflicted on him before his death.

A petition titled “Request for Investigation into the Death of Mr. Fidelis Osaghae on July 29, 2024 in Edo State”, filed by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation on behalf of the wife of the deceased, calls on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the death of her husband.

The foundation, signed by its executive director, Akin Fadeyi, claims that the local police station in Auchi has shown no willingness to investigate the case thoroughly and has already exonerated Mr Valentine, who is said to be an influential person in the area.

“The circumstances of Mr Fidelis’ death are suspicious and we firmly believe that he was in the care of Mr Oyemike Valentine until his death.

“We cannot place any trust in the Auchi Department’s investigation as we have concerns about possible interference and compromise,” the petition read in part.

The foundation also claimed that the police failed to take necessary steps to solve the suspicious murder, raising concerns that the police were complicit in the incident and covered it up.

“We recognize the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in the Nigerian court. However, the circumstances surrounding Mr. Fidelis’ death require a thorough investigation,” said Fadeyi.

He added that the IGP has acknowledged receipt of the petition and is expected to order a speedy and comprehensive investigation into the matter.

When contacted, Valentine declined to comment, saying he had been invited by police.

He said: “I can't say anything about that. I was invited by the police and I'm going there now. Thank you.”