September 20, 2024
By Okafor Joseph Afam

In a harrowing incident that unfolded in Abuja’s Wuse area, a commercial sex worker narrowly escaped being killed for ritual purposes after quick intervention by hotel staff. The chilling incident occurred at the Top View Hotel on Monday night, and the victim, identified as Olivia, survived thanks to her cries for help.

According to a viral video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Olivia was taken to the hotel by a man identified only as Alex under the pretense of spending the night together. However, at some point during the night, things took a sinister turn. Olivia was tied up with cellotape, and it became apparent that her life was in grave danger.

Hotel Staff to the Rescue

Witnesses reported that it was Olivia’s desperate screams that alerted the hotel staff. They quickly sprang into action, breaking into the room where she was held captive. Upon entering, they found the woman completely naked, her hands and legs bound with cellotape. There was also tape tightly wound around her neck, further restricting her movement and putting her life at even greater risk.

The hotel employees, visibly shaken, wasted no time in confronting Alex. In the video, they are heard chastising both Olivia and her attacker. The staff scolded the man for trying to use the woman for rituals and demanded that he cut off the cellotape that bound her. Meanwhile, Olivia used her clothes to cover her naked body, visibly distressed by the traumatic ordeal.

FCT Police Command Confirms Arrest

Following the incident, the FCT Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the suspect. According to a statement released by FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspect is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), awaiting transfer to the police for further investigation.

“The FCT police command is aware of the video footage making the rounds about a lady who was criminally confined in Top View hotel, Wuse, Abuja on 17th September, 2024, by an alleged Internet fraudster for money ritual,” SP Adeh said in the statement.

She went on to confirm that while the NSCDC has taken the suspect into custody, the police are yet to receive the handover needed to begin a thorough investigation. “The FCT police command, for all intent and purposes, awaits the NSCDC to hand over all parties for the commencement of a diligent and discreet investigation,” she added.

Social Media Uproar

The video, which has quickly gone viral, sparked widespread outrage and concern across social media platforms. Many users expressed their horror at the brazen nature of the attempted ritual killing, while others praised the hotel staff for their swift response, which likely saved Olivia’s life.

As the investigation into this disturbing incident continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers women, particularly those in vulnerable situations, face in today’s society. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Ongoing Investigation

The NSCDC is expected to hand over the suspect and all related evidence to the police in the coming days, where further details regarding Alex’s motives and background will be scrutinized. Authorities are now calling for increased security measures, especially in hotels, to prevent such heinous acts from occurring in the future.