By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: A hotel in Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, has been sealed off following allegations of ritual killings and kidnappings. The closure, ordered by the local council chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, came after the murder of a guest, Sunday Ogofotha, who was reportedly killed inside the hotel.
Authorities arrested the hotel owner, Chief Joseph Ovie Oghole, along with the security guard and his wife, following a police investigation.
Security operatives also recovered a POS machine and other items belonging to a previous victim, a POS operator allegedly murdered at the same hotel last year.
According to sources, Ogofotha, a Lagos-based indigene of Owhelogbo, had traveled for a relative’s burial but went missing after checking into the hotel on Friday night.
His family, concerned about his absence, traced his last known location and demanded to search the premises. After initial resistance from the management, community vigilantes forced their way into a room, where they discovered his lifeless body, bound and bearing multiple injuries.
“This hotel has been a den of kidnappers and ritualists,” said a community member, who accused the hotel of harboring criminal activities for years. “Last year, a POS operator was killed here, and now another victim has suffered the same fate.”
Council Chairman Ogorugba, who visited the scene with security officials, expressed shock over the incident and vowed to ensure justice.
“The police are actively investigating, and those responsible will be held accountable. Any hotel or property found to be a hub for criminal activities will face severe consequences,” he warned.
At the time of this report, Ogofotha’s remains had been deposited at the morgue, while police sources confirmed ongoing investigations. The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, was yet to make an official statement.