Badagry council dismisses viral hotel death report as false

By Esther Onyegbula

The Badagry Local Government has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media report alleging that a school principal and her husband died under suspicious circumstances at a hotel in Badagry during the Eid-el-Adha celebrations.

The council said investigations conducted with relevant stakeholders and security authorities confirmed that the report was entirely fabricated and did not occur anywhere within the council area.

The viral report had claimed that a woman identified as Mrs. Ajayi Ikweoku, allegedly the Principal of Salvation Army Memorial High School, Ojo, Lagos, and her husband, died after lodging at a purported “Prime Garden Hotel” located along “Census Extension” in Badagry.

According to the publication circulating on social media, the couple reportedly met with some associates at the hotel lobby before retiring to their room, where they were allegedly later found lifeless after hotel management accessed an emergency CCTV feed and forced the room open with a spare key.

However, reacting in a statement, the Badagry Local Government described the report as baseless and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents and visitors.
The council stated that no hotel bearing the name “Prime Garden Hotel” exists anywhere within Badagry Local Government.
It also noted that there is no known road or location identified as “Census Extension” within the area.

According to the statement, “Investigations and verification conducted with relevant stakeholders and security authorities confirmed that the story is entirely fabricated and without factual basis.”
The council further disclosed that no security agency, health authority, or relevant institution in Badagry had reported any such incident.

It warned that the circulation of unverified information was irresponsible and harmful to the image of the community, particularly during a festive period marked by peaceful celebrations and increased visitor presence.
“The circulation of such misinformation is capable of creating unnecessary panic, damaging the image of the community, and undermining public confidence,” the statement added.

The council therefore urged residents, bloggers, media practitioners, and social media users to always verify information through credible and official channels before sharing sensitive reports capable of spreading fear or misinformation.
Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and public safety across the council area.

Hunpe also stressed the importance of preserving Badagry’s reputation as a peaceful and hospitable destination.
The council advised members of the public to disregard the rumour, insisting that the alleged incident never occurred anywhere within Badagry Local Government.

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