Police Probe Death of AAU Academic After Hotel Visit in Ekpoma
The death of a senior lecturer at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Dr Matthew Uwuigbe, has triggered a police investigation after he was found dead in a hotel room in Edo State.
Uwuigbe reportedly died on Sunday, October 5, 2026, at a hotel located in the Mosco area of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, although the police have arrested three people in connection with the incident.
According to the Edo State Police Command, Uwuigbe had lodged at the hotel with a 21-year-old woman, Angela Defa Jacob.
Jacob was identified by the police as a commercial sex worker.
Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said the lecturer allegedly engaged Jacob’s services before sending her out to purchase water.
She reportedly returned to the room and found Uwuigbe lying lifeless on the bed.
The matter was reported to the police at about 8pm, leading to the commencement of an investigation.
Ikoedem said the three people arrested were the hotel owner, the manager and Jacob.
She explained that detectives were working to determine what happened before the lecturer’s death and whether there were circumstances requiring further criminal investigation.
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The police spokesperson also confirmed that Uwuigbe’s remains had been deposited at the Oriaifo Memorial Hospital mortuary.
Meanwhile, Ambrose Alli University has confirmed the deceased’s affiliation with the institution.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, said Uwuigbe was a member of the university’s staff but stressed that the incident took place away from the school.
“We are not denying that he is our staff, but whatever he did and what happened, it is his private life,” Aladenika said.
He also clarified that Jacob was not a student of Ambrose Alli University.
The university therefore described the incident as a private matter that occurred outside its premises.
The police have not announced the cause of death. Investigations are continuing, while the three people arrested remain in custody as authorities seek to establish the full circumstances of the lecturer’s death.
