The Edo State Police Command is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Bolt driver, Osarodion Osemwhenkhai, who was allegedly beaten by guests at De-Kaso Hotel in Benin before succumbing to his injuries.
The incident has triggered protests from E-hailing drivers in Benin, demanding justice for their slain colleague and the arrest of those responsible. Amid the unrest, the hotel’s Managing Director, Eric Osaigbovo, claimed he barely escaped with his life when over 100 enraged youths stormed the premises, attempting to set it ablaze.
Osaigbovo distanced himself and his staff from any involvement in the attack, stating that he was not on-site when the altercation occurred. He recounted being alerted by his staff and rushing to the hotel, only to find that the Bolt driver had already been taken to the hospital, where he later died.
He alleged that CCTV footage revealed a guest checking out of the hotel initiated the attack on Osemwhenkhai, with personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also participating in the assault. According to him, someone gave the injured driver ₦10,000 for treatment before NSCDC officials took him to their office.
“I was in my hotel room when suddenly, over a hundred angry youths stormed the premises with a dead body. They began destroying everything and attempted to set the hotel on fire. I was severely beaten and lost consciousness before the police rescued me,” Osaigbovo recounted.
Meanwhile, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident and announced that four NSCDC officers had been arrested and were in police custody as investigations continue.
