Dr Matthew Uwuigbe, a senior lecturer at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, has died in a hotel room under circumstances being investigated by the police.
Gatekeepers News reports that Uwuigbe, who taught in the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, reportedly died on Monday, October 5, 2026, at a hotel in the Mosco area of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying the hotel owner, manager and a 21-year-old woman who was with the lecturer had been arrested and detained for questioning.
Eno Ikoedem, spokesperson for the command, said the police received a report at about 8pm on Monday that Uwuigbe had lodged at the hotel and engaged the services of the woman, identified as Angela Defa Jacob.
According to Ikoedem, the lecturer later asked the woman to leave the room to purchase water. When she returned, she found him unresponsive and raised the alarm.
“The woman returned to the room and discovered Uwuigbe lying lifeless, prompting the report to the police,” the police spokesperson said.
Ikoedem said the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s death remained under investigation, adding that the arrests were necessary to establish what happened before his death.
She said, “the arrests were part of efforts to establish what transpired before his death.”
Uwuigbe’s remains have been deposited at the Oriaifo Memorial Hospital Mortuary for preservation as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, AAU management has distanced the university from the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s death, stressing that the incident occurred outside the institution and was unrelated to its official activities.
Otunba Aladenika, spokesperson for the university, confirmed that Uwuigbe was a member of staff but said the incident had no connection with the university.
Aladenika also clarified that the woman involved was not a student of the university and described the matter as the lecturer’s private affair.
