A 17-year-old boy, Divine Odide, has died after drowning in a swimming pool at Merryhomes Hotel in the Ogbo Hill area of Aba, Abia State. The incident occurred in the second week of June 2025 while the teenager was reportedly at the hotel with fellow students.
Speaking on the matter in Umuahia, the victim’s father, Mr. Orji Odide, called for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his son’s death. He also appealed to the Abia State Government to intervene, alleging that the hotel management was attempting to suppress the case.
In response, the management of Merryhomes Hotel described the drowning as an unfortunate and mysterious incident. In a statement, the hotel said it is cooperating fully with police investigations and denied any attempt to cover up the circumstances of the death. It added that clear warning signs were placed at the reception and pool area advising non-swimmers not to enter the pool.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the case was reported at the Ohuru Isimiri Divisional Headquarters. She stated that the scene had been visited, suspects arrested, and the body deposited in a morgue for autopsy. The case, she said, has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
