Tension has gripped Eagle Island Estate in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after a young man identified as Okorite Charles, in his mid-20s, was found dead at a hotel in the area.

The circumstances surrounding Charles’ death remained unclear as of press time, with his family questioning the initial account that he fell from the balcony of a two-storey building at the rear of the hotel.

The family said injuries found on the deceased’s body had raised concerns about what might have happened to him before his death.

The incident reportedly came to light in the early hours of yesterday when members of Charles’ family were informed that he had died at the hotel. His relatives and friends subsequently rushed to the facility, demanding an explanation from the management.

The situation reportedly created tension at the premises until policemen from the Azikiwe Police Division arrived and restored calm.

Charles’ elder brother, identified as Obomate, said the family received the news of his death at about 5:00 a.m. He said the family was initially informed that Charles had fallen from the balcony of a two-storey building at the back of the hotel.

Obomate said the family visited the hotel but could not find what he described as evidence consistent with a fall.

“We did not see any trace indicating that he fell from the balcony. What we saw were signs suggesting that someone had struggled or possibly engaged in a fight. The area was scattered, and we also saw traces of blood,” he alleged.

He said further observations at a hospital raised additional questions about the cause of Charles’ injuries.

“The doctor told us that it was not a mere fall. He said the wound he observed on my brother’s stomach appeared to be a stab wound that had penetrated deeply.

“He also suspected that something had been used to hit him on the neck. It appeared that he had been severely beaten, as he also had injuries on his body,” Obomate added.

He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged the police to ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

Following the incident, police officers reportedly shut the hotel and directed everyone on the premises to leave.

The closure was believed to be part of efforts to preserve the scene and prevent possible interference with evidence that could assist investigators in determining how Charles sustained his injuries and died.

Charles’ remains were reportedly deposited at an undisclosed mortuary by the police.

As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Police Command had yet to issue an official account of the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Karbolo, also had yet to respond to enquiries sent by our reporter concerning the circumstances surrounding the death.