A senior lecturer at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Dr. Matthew Uwuigbe, has died under mysterious circumstances in a hotel in Ekpoma, Edo State. According to reports, Uwuigbe, a lecturer in the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, was found dead in a hotel in the Mosco area of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The Edo State police command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Uwuigbe's death. The police have arrested and detained the hotel owner, manager, and a 21-year-old woman who was reportedly with the lecturer shortly before he was found dead. The woman, identified as Angela Defa Jacob, had been engaged by Uwuigbe at the hotel and was asked to leave the room to purchase water for him.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Edo State, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the command received a report at about 8 pm on Monday concerning Uwuigbe's condition at the hotel. The woman reportedly returned to the room and found Uwuigbe lying lifeless, prompting her to raise an alarm and alert the authorities. The police have not disclosed the cause of death, while no conclusion has been reached on whether foul play was involved.
The three individuals arrested are being held as part of efforts to establish what transpired in the hotel room before Uwuigbe's death. The police said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and that the arrests were made to assist in determining the events leading to Uwuigbe's death. The lecturer's remains have been deposited at the Oriaifo Memorial Hospital Mortuary for preservation pending the outcome of the investigation.
The incident has also attracted attention within the AAU community, with the university confirming that Uwuigbe was a member of its academic staff. However, the institution has stated that the incident occurred outside the university and was unrelated to its official activities. The university spokesperson, Otunba Aladenika, clarified that the 21-year-old woman reportedly involved in the incident was not a student of the institution.
Aladenika described the circumstances surrounding the lecturer's death as a matter relating to his private life. "We are not denying that he is our staff, but whatever he did and what happened, it is his private life," he said. The university has thus distanced itself from the incident, emphasizing that it occurred outside its premises and was not connected to Uwuigbe's work as a lecturer.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding Uwuigbe's final moments and determine whether any offence was committed in connection with his death. The outcome of the investigation is yet to be determined, and the police have promised to provide updates as more information becomes available. The incident has raised concerns within the academic community and the general public.
Key points
- The Edo State police command has arrested three individuals in connection with the death of Dr. Matthew Uwuigbe.
- The incident occurred outside the university premises and was unrelated to Uwuigbe's official activities.
- The police investigation is ongoing, and the cause of death has not been disclosed.
