On Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, the lifeless body of Quesada Alfonso, an 80-year-old Colombian national, was discovered in his hotel room in Festac Town, Lagos State, Nigeria. The Lagos State Police Command promptly initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. According to Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the command, the police received a distress call at approximately 3:45 pm, alerting them to the discovery. A team of officers, including homicide detectives, was immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, the police team found Mr. Alfonso’s body in room C85, located on the 8th floor of the hotel. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased had been a long-term resident of the hotel, having stayed there for over four months. A thorough examination of the body did not reveal any visible signs of violence or foul play, suggesting that the death may not have resulted from a criminal act. The body was subsequently transported to the Mainland General Hospital morgue in Yaba for preservation and a scheduled autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the police took several members of the hotel management staff into custody. Their detention was related to their failure to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of their guests, a procedural lapse considered a significant breach of security protocol. Although released shortly thereafter, their involvement in the investigation remains active as authorities seek to ascertain all relevant facts surrounding Mr. Alfonso’s death. The police emphasized that the release of the staff members did not signify exoneration and that the investigation would continue.
The investigation into Mr. Alfonso’s death is multifaceted, including a coroner’s inquest, a formal judicial inquiry typically conducted to investigate sudden, unexplained, or violent deaths. This process involves examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts to establish the cause and manner of death. Alongside the inquest, detectives are pursuing various lines of inquiry, including a thorough review of the hotel’s security footage, guest logs, and staff interviews. They are also exploring Mr. Alfonso’s medical history and any potential pre-existing conditions that might have contributed to his demise.
While the absence of apparent signs of violence points away from foul play, the investigation remains open, and all possibilities are being considered until definitive evidence emerges. The police are meticulously gathering and analyzing all available information to ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation. The authorities have appealed to the public for any information that may shed light on the circumstances leading to Mr. Alfonso’s death. This includes anyone who may have interacted with him during his stay at the hotel or possesses any relevant details regarding his health or activities prior to his passing.
The death of Quesada Alfonso, an elderly foreign national, has understandably raised concerns and underscores the importance of stringent security measures in hotels and other public accommodations. The incident highlights the critical role of proper record-keeping by management to aid investigations and ensure the safety and well-being of guests. The Lagos State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of truth and justice in this case. The results of the autopsy and the coroner’s inquest will be crucial in determining the final outcome of the investigation and providing closure to this unfortunate incident.
