Ex-corps member drowns in Abuja hotel swimming pool

A lady, Ms. Promise Ekong, who completed her one-year mandatory national youth service in November 2022, has reportedly drowned in a swimming pool at the Stanzel Grand Hotel in Gwarinpa, Abuja. 

Late Ekong, an indigene of Boki Local Government Area in Cross River State, was reportedly drowned while having fun at the swimming pool of the hotel last week on Wednesday, February 8.

It was learned that the management of the hotel immediately reported her death to the police, but the family members of the victim disagreed, arguing that there was foul play.

A family member of the victim, who spoke to Daily Trust anonymously, said they would pursue the matter to a logical conclusion until the cause of her death is unraveled.

“It is not today that she has been swimming. She did use swimming pools very well before her demise.

“We were shocked about the incident. The management is yet to tell us the truth,” the family member said.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident.

She said the incident was reported at the Gwarimpa Divisional Police Headquarters by one Abang Paul, a male resident of SNCO 1 Lungi Barracks in Abuja.

“On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at about 5:35 p.m., the Gwarimpa Divisional Police Headquarters received a report from one Abang Paul, a male resident of SNCO 1 Lungi Barracks Abuja, that one Yakubu Mohammed, a male lodger at the Stanzel Hotel in Gwarimpa, had earlier called to inform him that his sister, one Promise Ekong, a female resident of 21 Corner Shop, First Avenue, Gwarimpa, who was reported to be swimming in the pool, had suddenly stopped moving. 

“Upon receipt of the information, a team of crime scene investigators (CSI) swung into action and visited the scene of the incident.

“Ekong was rushed to the hospital, where she was sadly confirmed dead. 

“The deceased has been deposited at the mortuary, and an investigation into situations surrounding the unfortunate incident has commenced.

“Developments will be subsequently communicated.”