A 60-year-old man died after suddenly falling ill while staying at a Jigawa hotel with a 20-year-old woman. Police have launched an investigation.
A 60-year-old man has died after reportedly suffering a sudden medical emergency while staying at a hotel with a 20-year-old woman in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, prompting the police to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragic event, which occurred on Tuesday, July 21, has generated public attention after the Jigawa State Police Command confirmed the incident and assured residents that a comprehensive investigation is underway.
Authorities said the outcome of the probe would determine whether the death resulted from natural causes or if any other factors were involved.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, and published on the command’s official Facebook page, the police explained that officers responded promptly after receiving an emergency report from the hotel.
According to the statement, the deceased had checked into the hotel with a 20-year-old woman.
The pair reportedly settled into their room without any indication that anything was wrong. However, the situation reportedly changed shortly after the man requested a meal.
Police said the man suddenly developed serious breathing difficulties and began gasping for air while inside the hotel.
The unexpected health emergency immediately raised concern among those present, who alerted security personnel and the police for assistance.
Officers attached to the Yalwawa Police Division reportedly arrived at the hotel within a short time after receiving the distress call.
Their priority was to ensure the man received urgent medical attention, and he was immediately transported to the General Hospital in Dutse.
Despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, doctors examined the man upon arrival and confirmed that he had passed away. Medical officials subsequently certified him dead, bringing the emergency response to a tragic end.
Following the confirmation of his death, detectives commenced standard investigative procedures to establish what may have led to the incident.
Investigators carefully examined the hotel room where the man and the young woman had been staying, collecting materials they considered important to the case.
During the search, police recovered food items, drinks, personal belongings, and a substance suspected to be a sexual enhancement product.
Authorities said the items were taken into custody as exhibits and would be subjected to further examination if necessary as part of the investigation.
The police did not immediately confirm whether the suspected enhancement substance played any role in the man’s sudden collapse.
Instead, investigators stressed that conclusions would only be drawn after all available evidence had been properly assessed.
The woman who accompanied the deceased has continued to cooperate with investigators.
Police described her as a witness assisting with inquiries by providing information about the events leading up to the man’s collapse. Authorities have not announced any criminal charges against her.
After the necessary documentation and medical procedures were completed, the man’s remains were released to his relatives following a request by the family. He has since been buried in accordance with family wishes.
The Jigawa State Police Command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid circulating rumours or unverified claims on social media regarding the incident.
The command noted that premature speculation could mislead the public and undermine ongoing investigative efforts.
Police further assured residents that the investigation would be conducted professionally, thoroughly, and impartially. Officials added that every relevant lead would be examined before any official conclusion is reached.
Cases involving sudden deaths in hotels often attract widespread public attention, especially when they involve significant age differences between individuals or unusual circumstances.
However, investigators generally caution against making assumptions until medical findings and police inquiries have been completed.
Health experts have also repeatedly warned that older adults, particularly those with underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes, may face increased health risks during periods of physical exertion or emotional stress.
Nevertheless, only a medical examination can determine the exact cause of death in any specific case.
As investigations continue, the Jigawa State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to transparency and due process.
The authorities urged the public to rely only on verified information released through official channels and to allow investigators to conclude their work without interference or misinformation.
Jigawa State Police Command
PRESS RELEASE
JIGAWA POLICE INVESTIGATES SUDDEN DEATH IN DUTSE
The Jigawa State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a case of sudden and unnatural death reported on Tuesday, 21st July, 2026, at about 1250hrsp.
The incident occurred at a hotel in Dutse Metro, where a 60-year-old man who had checked into the facility in the company of a 20-year-old lady suddenly developed a medical emergency after requesting a meal. (Gasping for air)
Upon receiving the distress report, police officers attached to the Yalwawa Division responded swiftly to the scene and immediately evacuated him to the General Hospital, Dutse, where he was examined by medical personnel and unfortunately certified dead.
Police detectives thereafter secured the scene and conducted a preliminary examination. During the exercise, some food items, beverages, a suspected sexual enhancement substance, and other personal effects were recovered for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation. All necessary procedures were observed to preserve relevant exhibits and facilitate a comprehensive investigation.
Following medical certification of death and the completion of the necessary procedures, the remains of the deceased were released to his family for burial in accordance with their request.
The 20-year-old lady who was present at the time of the incident is cooperating with investigators by providing useful information to assist in establishing the sequence of events leading to the unfortunate occurrence. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, reassures members of the public that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly, professionally, and impartially. The Command therefore urges residents to refrain from speculation or circulating unverified information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety or prejudicing the investigation. Further information will be made available as the investigation progresses.
SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, anipr,
Jigawa State Police Command.
21st July, 2026.


