A senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Lawal Tukur, was discovered dead in his hotel room in Katsina after spending the night at the well-known Murjani Hotel, prompting a full-scale investigation by state authorities into the circumstances surrounding his sudden death.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to reliable reports, hotel staff raised concern on Thursday morning when Tukur failed to check out as expected. After repeated attempts to contact him through the intercom went unanswered, hotel management opened the room and found him lying unresponsive on the bed.
The Katsina State Police Command was immediately alerted, and officers arrived promptly to secure the scene. Evidence collection began immediately, including the retrieval of CCTV footage, photographs, and physical items from the room. The deceased's body was later transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Katsina, for medical evaluation and autopsy.
Persons Linked to the Case
Investigations have revealed that three women were connected to the case: Khadija Ali, Aisha Lawal, and Hafsat Yusuf.
Khadija and Aisha reportedly checked into the hotel the same night as Tukur.
Hafsat is believed to have joined them later that evening.
Surveillance footage captured movements between rooms before the discovery of the body.
Police officers also recovered several empty sachets and bottles suspected to contain alcoholic or stimulant substances. Samples from the items have been taken for forensic testing to determine whether they played any role in the officer's death.
Medical Examination Underway
Authorities confirmed that Tukur's remains have been deposited at FMC Katsina, where an autopsy and toxicology test will be conducted. Preliminary assessments have not identified any visible signs of violence, but investigators are not ruling out foul play until full medical results are available.
A senior police officer told reporters that the investigation remains open and would be guided by both medical findings and forensic evidence from the hotel room.
Reactions and Ongoing Probe
The Katsina State Police Command has launched an official inquiry, working closely with hotel management and forensic experts. All three identified women are in custody and assisting with investigations.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed Tukur's identity, describing his death as a “deeply regrettable loss to the service.” Officials say the agency is cooperating with law enforcement and will provide full support to his family.
Residents of Katsina have called for transparency, urging the police to ensure the truth behind the officer's death is uncovered.
What Happens Next
Authorities are expected to release the autopsy report once medical testing concludes. The findings will determine whether the case remains a suspicious death or transitions into a criminal investigation.
Police have appealed to the public to avoid speculation or circulation of unverified details, emphasizing that updates will be communicated through official channels.
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