On November 5, 2021, a Master of Business Administration student at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Timothy Adegoke, travelled from Abuja to Ile-Ife, Osun State, to take his examination. He checked into the Hilton Royal Hotel for the duration of his stay.
However, he went missing on November 7, 2021, prompting a search by the police.
Inquiries pinpointed Hilton Royal Hotel as Adegoke’s last known location before his disappearance.
Subsequent investigations led the authorities to a site along Ede Road near the entrance to the OAU campus, where Adegoke’s remains were found in a shallow grave and removed by the police.
Following further investigations, the hotel owner and six staff members were arrested and charged with the murder of Adegoke before the court of law.
After months of trial, on May 30, 2023, the court convicted the suspects for the murder of Adegoke and sentenced them to death by hanging.
The disappearance and gruesome murder of Adegoke is a stark reminder of the need to be safe when you lodge in Nigerian hotels.
Here are some safety tips that can come in handy, especially when you lodge in a hotel in a rural or quiet environment.
Take many pictures of hotel’s surroundings
Taking as many pictures as you can of the hotel and the lodging receipt can be a valuable safety measure for several reasons when staying at a hotel, according to security expert, Ibrahim Abiola.
Having a photo of the hotel exterior can help easily identify the location in case of emergencies or if you need to share your whereabouts with others.
Additionally, having a picture of the hotel can assist law enforcement or search parties in locating the place if the need arises.
While this measure may not have changed the outcome in the tragic case of Adegoke’s death, it can still be an important step towards ensuring safety and preparedness when staying at a hotel.
Share room number only with trusted person
Avoid disclosing your room number to strangers or casual acquaintances as it can compromise your privacy and safety.
Only share this information with trusted individuals.
A security consultant, Ikeoluwa Adigun, said, “You can send a message to one or two people that you trust, like family members, describing how you got to that room, the room number, the condition of the room, and other details that will help them have a clear imagination of the hotel and the room you are staying.”
Do not share personal information with hotel staff, strangers
Adigun advised lodgers to refrain from sharing personal information like family background, profession, and financial status with hotel staff or other guests to ensure their safety in that hotel.
She said revealing such details may compromise privacy and make individuals vulnerable to risks like kidnapping, scams, or unwanted attention.
By maintaining discretion, guests can minimise potential threats and ensure a secure and trouble-free stay.
Confirm identity before letting anyone into hotelroom
It is important to exercise caution and not open the door to anyone that you do not know or trust.
If someone claims to be hotel staff or room service, verify their identity by contacting the front desk before opening the door.
“Use the peephole before opening the door to confirm the identity of the person knocking.
“Before opening the door to anyone, especially if you were not expecting a visitor, verify their identity using the peephole. If in doubt, contact the front desk for confirmation,” Abiola added.
Report suspicious activity immediately
You should promptly report any suspicious activity to the hotel management, trusted persons, or even the police to ensure immediate action to investigate and address the issue.
Abiola said, “Report any suspicious activity or concerns to hotel management. If you notice anything unusual or concerning during your stay, such as unauthorised individuals loitering around the hotel premises or strange noises, report it to hotel staff for further investigation.”
Moreover, contacting trusted persons or law enforcement ensures that additional support and assistance can be provided if necessary, reinforcing a proactive approach to maintaining personal safety during your stay.
Know entry, exit points
Adigun explained that familiarising with the hotel environment allows you to navigate the premises easily, formulate evacuation plans, and identify the entry and closest exit routes. This knowledge enables swift and confident action in urgent situations, ensuring a timely and safe evacuation.
Finally, safety and security experts agreed that you should follow your mind before deciding to stay in a hotel. Trust your instincts and if something feels off, notify hotel staff or contact local authorities. Your intuition can be a powerful tool in identifying potential risks or dangers. If you feel uneasy or sense that something might be wrong, do not hesitate to seek assistance from the staff or contact local authorities for help.