The Jigawa state Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the death of a 60-year-old man who died after suffering a medical emergency in a hotel room in Dutse, the state capital.
The deceased, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly checked into the hotel on Tuesday in the company of a 20-year-old woman before suddenly falling ill. Blueprint reports
The command’s spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying detectives have begun a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the police, the man reportedly developed a medical emergency shortly after requesting a meal while staying in the hotel.
Officers attached to the Yalwawa Police Division responded immediately after receiving a distress call from the facility and evacuated him to the General Hospital, Dutse, where doctors confirmed him dead despite efforts to save his life.
Detectives recover exhibits
Following the incident, detectives secured the hotel room and conducted a preliminary examination as part of efforts to establish what transpired before the man’s death.
Shiisu said investigators recovered food items, beverages, a suspected sexual enhancement substance and other personal belongings from the room for forensic examination.
According to him, all necessary investigative procedures were followed to preserve the exhibits and other evidence that may assist in determining the cause of death.
“Police detectives thereafter secured the scene and conducted a preliminary examination where some food items, beverages, suspected sexual enhancement substance and other personal effects were recovered for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation,” the police spokesperson stated.
He added that after medical certification and completion of all statutory procedures, the deceased’s remains were released to his family for burial in accordance with their request.
Woman cooperating with investigators
The police said the 20-year-old woman who was with the deceased at the time of the incident has continued to cooperate with investigators.
Shiisu explained that she has voluntarily provided useful information to assist detectives in reconstructing the sequence of events leading to the unfortunate incident.
The command did not indicate that the woman had been arrested or declared a suspect, stressing that investigations remain ongoing and that no conclusions should be drawn until all facts have been established.
He assured residents that the investigation would be conducted professionally, thoroughly and impartially.
The police also appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation or circulating unverified information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety or prejudicing the ongoing investigation.
“Further information will be made available as the investigation progresses,” Shiisu said.
Similar incidents
The latest case adds to a number of sudden deaths recorded in hotel rooms across Nigeria in recent years, many of which have required detailed police and medical investigations before the actual causes of death could be established.
In January 2025, a police inspector reportedly died in a hotel in Jigawa State after suffering a medical emergency. Investigators in that case also recovered a suspected aphrodisiac substance from the room, while authorities launched a full investigation before drawing conclusions on the circumstances surrounding the death.
Security experts have repeatedly advised the public against jumping to conclusions whenever such incidents occur, noting that sudden deaths can result from a wide range of medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory complications and adverse reactions to medications or other substances.
Medical professionals have similarly warned that unregulated sexual enhancement products sold outside approved pharmaceutical channels may pose serious health risks, particularly for older adults or individuals living with underlying cardiovascular conditions. However, experts stress that only toxicology reports, autopsy findings and police investigations can establish whether any substance contributed to a particular death.
Investigation continues
As investigations continue, the Jigawa State Police Command said all recovered items would undergo further examination while detectives continue interviewing relevant witnesses.
The command maintained that the objective is to establish the exact cause of death through evidence-based investigation rather than speculation.
Until the investigation is concluded, police say the circumstances surrounding the man’s death remain undetermined, urging the public to await the outcome of official findings before drawing any conclusions.