Varsity gives update on death of lecturer in Kogi hotel, rules out Bello Yahaya-Lubabat’s involvement

Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has expressed grief over the death of one of its lecturers, Mr. Olabode Abimbola-Ibikunle, urging the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue.

In a statement issued in Lokoja, the university’s Registrar, Mr. Yahaya Alilu, described the death as both “tragic and disturbing.”

He emphasized the need for a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s death, which occurred while he was with a student, identified as Miss Glory Ojochegbe-Samuel.

“This is because some unverified reports are linking the names of other students, including Miss Bello Yahaya-Lubabat of the Department of Educational Administration and Planning, to the incident.

“The university firmly dissociates Miss Bello Yahaya-Lubabat and other students from the matter and cautions against the spread of unfounded associations that may harm the reputations of innocent persons.

“We therefore, kindly urge the public and the media to refrain from speculations or drawing premature conclusions until the facts are fully established.

“PAAU remains committed to upholding the values of truth, fairness, and justice, and we respectfully appeal for restraint and responsible reportage as investigations continue.”

Mr. Abimbola-Ibikunle reportedly died in a hotel in Anyigba, and the matter was reported to the police by the hotel manager.

The spokesman of the Kogi State Police Command, SP William Ovye-Aya, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stating that an autopsy is underway to determine the actual cause of death.

According to Ovye-Aya, the hotel manager, Moses Friday, reported that a 22-year-old, 200-level student of PAAU, Gloria Samuel, had rushed to the reception to alert the staff after the lecturer collapsed following their encounter.

He added that the police promptly took the lecturer to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

He said investigations are still ongoing, and further steps will be taken based on the outcome.