Police and Army Probe Alleged Killing of Abia Hotel Manager by Military Personnel

The Police Command in Abia said on Monday it had begun a discreet investigation into the alleged murder of the manager of Royal Damgrete Hotel, Umuahia, Mr James Etubi, by suspected military personnel.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Umuahia on Monday.

Chinaka stated that the command’s detectives had visited the hospital, and taken pictures of the deceased while the body was undergoing an autopsy.

She added that the hotel director had on Friday alleged in a report at the Central Police State, Umuahia, that four military personnel came to their hotel on Factory Road, Umuahia, took away four of his staff members, and beat them up.

According to Chinaka, the incident resulted in various degrees of injury.

“One of the staff members, James Etubi, slumped and was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor.

“His body has been deposited at the hospital mortuary,” she stated.

She explained that the incident happened in the aftermath of the death of a cadet officer, who allegedly drowned at the hotel’s swimming pool on April 9.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said it was deeply concerned by the alleged “unprofessional conduct” of some of its personnel in the tragic death of the hotel manager.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen.