Lagos Father Demands Probe After Son Dies in Hotel Swimming Pool at Ajao Estate

A grieving father has called for a full investigation into the death of his son, who was found lifeless in a swimming pool at a hotel in Ajao Estate, Lagos.

Henry Airenekhuemen said his son, Mattias, had attended a poolside event at Signatious Hotel on Saturday evening, where he was reportedly selling tickets to earn money.

The family’s distress began when one of Mattias’ brothers alerted him that the young man had been rushed to Isolo General Hospital.

“I was told that my son had been taken to Isolo General Hospital. When I got there, I was shocked to see his lifeless body inside the vehicle that brought him,” Airenekhuemen said.

Questions over drowning narrative

According to the father, hospital staff informed him that Mattias was said to have drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool. He later spoke with a friend who had accompanied his son to the event.

The friend reportedly told him that Mattias had been seated with him and a woman before stepping away. Attempts to reach him by phone were unsuccessful, even though his phone was said to have been left behind charging.

A search was then carried out, during which Mattias’ body was allegedly discovered in the pool.

Airenekhuemen, however, said certain observations raised doubts in his mind.

“If he actually drowned, why was his stomach not bloated? And why was there foam coming out of his mouth and nose?” he asked.

Police investigation and detentions

The incident was reported to the police, who visited the hospital, documented the situation, and moved the body to a morgue. Officers later accompanied the family to the hotel for further inspection.

The father said concerns were raised during the visit about the absence of a pool supervisor or trained lifeguard at the time of the incident.

He disclosed that three individuals are currently being held at the Ajao Estate Police Division in connection with the case, including the hotel manager, the woman said to have been with Mattias, and the friend who reportedly found him in the pool.

According to Airenekhuemen, the hotel manager was unable to immediately provide CCTV footage, saying he had only recently resumed duty.

Allegations of suspicious developments

The bereaved father also alleged that a person who identified himself as a hotel staff member contacted one of his sons, asking what the family would require to “settle” the matter.

He further claimed that the poolside event continued on the same night after his son’s body had been discovered.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Lagos State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer went unanswered at the time of reporting.

Airenekhuemen is now urging authorities to ensure a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son’s death.