A teacher and mother of four, Rhoda Ogofotha—who lost her spouse when he was killed at a hotel in Delta State—discusses with CHUKWUDI AKASIKE the events that resulted in her husband’s demise during his trip for the funeral of a family member.

What is your occupation?

I work as a teacher in Akute, Ogun State.

Could you describe the situation that resulted in your husband’s death at the hotel?

My spouse journeyed from Lagos to be present for his sibling’s funeral, scheduled for March 22nd. Consequently, he departed from Lagos and spent Thursday night at the Century Hotel located in his home town. We communicated with each other on Friday.

On Saturday morning, he was the one who called me, and we talked for some time. We ended the call at about 7.35 am after he told me he wanted to prepare for the occasion. I told him I wanted to prepare for church. So that very day, we could not talk. It was unusual that my husband did not call me, although I remember that he told me that he was going to be very busy. So, I said probably that was why. I went to church, I went for a visitation, and when I came back, I got home very late.

What happened thereafter?

On the following Sunday, I got a call from the deceased brother’s spouse, asking after my husband. She mentioned that her nephew had contacted her stating they hadn’t spotted my husband at the gathering. This puzzled me since attending this event was precisely how we ended up leaving; thus, his absence seemed odd. I requested she provide me with the nephew’s phone number as I didn’t possess it myself. After sending over the details, I reached out to the nephew directly. When queried about his uncle’s whereabouts, he informed us that they were still searching for him.

I was stunned when I questioned him about whether they had visited the hotel. He confirmed that they had gone there, but mentioned that my spouse had supposedly checked out. I immediately dismissed this as false since my husband couldn’t have done so; we had spoken just the day before on Saturday, and he hadn’t indicated anything about checking out then. Instead, he informed me he planned to get dressed for an event. I maintained firmly that he definitely didn’t leave without informing me.

I proposed that he should file a report with the police since I was in Lagos and finding it difficult to make the trip. It came as a surprise to me when I found out that it was actually the manager who accompanied the nephew to lodge the complaint. Furthermore, the nephew had no idea about the contents of their written statement or complaint.

When they returned, anxiety and worry consumed me. I began reaching out to a couple of individuals. I contacted my brother, a minister from a different area, as the information regarding my spouse seemed unclear to me, and he couldn’t have left without notice. I begged him to visit the hotel later that evening after his sermon. Post-service, he proceeded to do just that. Additionally, I got in touch with another pastor we know residing in that same town.

Not until later in the evening did the family go to the police station, at which point the nephew got a message while en route. The message read: ‘We are kidnappers, your brother is in our custody, follow instructions.’

What occurred once they arrived at the police station?

Upon arriving at the police station, they presented the message to the officers who indicated that my husband could possibly be abducted. I responded, how is such an abduction possible? The law enforcement officials recommended against using that telephone for now. At this point, individuals had gathered at my residence in Lambe.

I requested my nephew to forward the number he used for texting so we could trace it. Upon tracing it, we found out that the number originated from an area known as Abe in Delta State. Further investigation revealed that the number belonged to a young PoS operator who had gone missing since December 13, 2024, and whose mobile device had apparently been taken over by others.

We grew fearful that he had been abducted. Shortly thereafter, they reached out once more to our son-in-law, demanding a payment of 20 million naira as ransom. They warned us that involving the police would result in never seeing him again. This left us utterly bewildered, with no clear course of action. I broke down in tears. In desperation, I contacted one of my siblings who lived in Benin; he was acquainted with local vigilante groups.

I begged him to release the vigilantes so they could head to the hotel since I didn’t trust their claim that my spouse had been abducted. If my partner was really taken, they surely would’ve provided his phone for communication. Additionally, the young nephew relaying messages couldn’t afford such services either. As darkness fell, I was instructed to rest within the chamber.

How did you finally receive the information about your husband’s death?

My son was in the living room when I heard him exclaim, ‘Daddy.’ He then got a call informing us that his father’s body had been discovered at the same hotel where they said he had checked out earlier. Those were the only details we knew.

What were your feelings upon learning that your husband, who was reported as kidnapped, had actually died at the hotel?

I find it difficult to grasp this situation even now. It feels surreal, almost like seeing an illusion, since it’s challenging for me to accept that he has passed away. I keep questioning whether his death is really real. The news left me utterly heartbroken. I was bewildered, unsure of how to react, as he had always been perfectly healthy—never experiencing so much as a minor ailment. Just before this, we were communicating regularly, until I learned that he was discovered lifeless in a hotel room.

Did you experience any forewarning or indication before departing from your house that an unfortunate event might occur?

Number one: There were neither dreams nor anything similar.

We found out that he contacted you at some point. Did your husband mention the reason for his decision to remain in the hotel within that neighborhood?

Initially, he hasn’t constructed his personal residence, and the sibling they planned to inter resided entirely in Warri throughout their lifetime without owning a property in Delta State. Therefore, there wasn’t any ancestral home for the family present there on the paternal side; the sole dwelling belonged to another relation. As a gentleman, he mentioned he’d simply check into a hotel once done with proceedings before returning home.

The individuals responsible for the heinous crime have been apprehended. To what extent has the police progressed with their ongoing inquiry?

They have been caught. Initially, the hotel owner, whom I believe is referred to as the PRO or something similar, attempted to clear their names. His explanation didn’t make much sense to me either. Up until now, my son, my brother, along with everyone else, went on a trip. They recently returned from our home town. While they were there, they addressed the issue in Asaba.

When they traveled to Asaba last Friday, the relatives of the absent point-of-sales worker accompanied them to Asaba, believing that her case had reached there. However, it turned out that her case hadn’t made it to Asaba yet.

My husband’s passing exposed the fact that the hotel staff had murdered the (PoS) girl, and he was aware that both the police and the community would arrive at the hotel on Monday. On that day, my brother and my son joined me; we were all present. Prior to their arrival, throngs of people gathered inside and outside the hotel. When they brought what they called the manager, and just as the authorities prepared to arrest him, everyone found themselves helpless.

Before they realized it, others mentioned that the hotel had been completely destroyed; it was set ablaze, as far as I could gather. That’s everything for now. The authorities stated that Monday and Tuesday (March 31 and April 1) were public holidays, and by Wednesday, they planned to submit their report, after which we should expect an update. Up until this point, though, we haven’t received any news.

Do you feel content with the progress the police have made in their investigation so far?

So far, these measures seem effective, yet I pray they won’t distort justice. They must uncover the truth behind this case where an innocent person was wronged. The guilty parties should face consequences and allow true justice to prevail. At present, I cannot simply voice complaints alone. As you understand, matters involving law enforcement require significant time, and over time, progress will surely be made. This is all I can presently offer on the subject.

What kind of man is your spouse?

My spouse was incredibly affectionate; besides being a dad, he fully embraced his role as a pastor. There wasn’t anyone he couldn’t get along with. However, he often felt alone since both of his parents were absent from his life. This explains why, whenever he traveled, he would say, ‘I prefer not to be a burden to others; instead, I’ll find a modest spot where I can stay out of sight and enjoy my privacy until I return.’ Despite everything, he remained a warm-hearted individual.

What did he do for work during his lifetime?

He served as a pastor but later retired from his ministerial duties. After retiring, he opened up a modest store since he decided to pursue another line of work. In his earlier years, he was employed at Mandilas regular department. Therefore, he transitioned into being a retailer once he stepped down from his religious role. Consequently, upon retirement, he established a tiny shop where he sold various small items similar to those mentioned.
okada
, he dealt with spare parts as his responsibility. The ministry was his profession. He wasn’t a fully ordained pastor though.

Others might wonder why you didn’t journey alongside your spouse to attend the funeral of a family member.

We desired to go traveling, yet I needed to assess the financial impact of going to Delta State and returning. Since he shared a father with my deceased brother but not a mother, we reached an agreement about this. Afterward, I questioned whether I should be involved. Therefore, I contacted his brother’s widow to explain the situation, and she assured me there wasn’t any issue as they acknowledged how distant the location was. This was the reason I didn’t end up making the trip.

Isn’t it true that if you had been with your husband, his attackers would not have had the chance to strike at him?

Only God understands that. I have no idea.

What is the number of kids you have?

I am a parent of four kids, with the oldest being 27 years old.

What was the age of your spouse?

My spouse was 57 years old.

What is your current age?

I haven’t reached 54 years of age yet, but come July, I will turn 54.

What was your children’s response to what happened?

They suffer because their father departed so suddenly without even saying goodbye.

What plans do you have for managing your children without your husband present at this time?

Only God can assist me now.

What do you want to say to the police who are managing this case?

I believe that justice needs to prevail; my husband shouldn’t have died for nothing. Those responsible for these actions must face consequences.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).