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Police in Rivers State have sealed off a hotel on Eagle Island Estate in Port Harcourt following the death of a young man, Okorite Charles, under circumstances that have sparked suspicion and calls for a thorough investigation.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, threw the area into confusion as relatives and friends of the deceased stormed the hotel, demanding an explanation from the management over how the man died.
Police officers from the Azikiwe Police Division arrived at the scene and restored calm before the situation escalated.
Speaking to journalists, the deceased's elder brother, Obomate, said the family received news of Charles' death around 5 a.m. after photographs of his body were sent to his younger sister.
According to him, the family was informed that Charles had fallen from the balcony of a two-storey building behind the hotel. However, he said their observations at the scene raised doubts about that account.
Obomate alleged that instead of evidence of a fall, the family found signs of a struggle, including a disordered scene and traces of blood.
He further claimed that a doctor who examined the body suggested the injuries were inconsistent with a simple fall, pointing to what appeared to be a deep stab wound in the abdomen and injuries to the neck and other parts of the body.
The bereaved family has called on the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Charles' death and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the police have since shut down the hotel and ordered occupants to vacate the premises, apparently to preserve the scene and prevent possible interference with evidence.
Although the Rivers State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, the deceased's remains have been deposited in an undisclosed mortuary, while investigations continue.
