Hotel manager Joseph Terdoo died early Tuesday after a physical altercation with a tiler at a hotel in Abuja’s Utako area, and the Federal Capital Territory police are investigating the incident as alleged culpable homicide while also arresting a driver of a Lexus SUV carrying a forged “Presidency” registration plate in Maitama.
What led to the manager’s death?
The incident was reported to the Utako Police Division at about 5 a.m. on Tuesday, prompting a rapid deployment of officers to the third‑floor premises. Police Commissioner of the Federal Capital Territory, [Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi](https://fctpolice.gov.ng), confirmed that officers found Terdoo unconscious and rushed him to [Wuse District Hospital](https://fcthealth.gov.ng/wuse-district-hospital), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Preliminary inquiries indicate that Terdoo had been arguing with Samuel Nel, a tiler employed at the hotel, and the dispute escalated into a physical clash.
According to the commissioner, Nel allegedly pushed Terdoo, causing him to fall and strike his head on a wooden object, after which he collapsed. “Samuel was alleged to have pushed Joseph, who fell and hit his head on a wooden object and collapsed,” the CP said.
Sanusi warned residents of the FCT to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to resolve disagreements through peaceful channels, emphasizing that violence will only deepen tragedy.
What happened with the Lexus vehicle?
In a separate operation, police stopped a Lexus LX570 SUV in the Maitama district that bore a concealed number plate reading “PRESIDENCY” with registration “10B218 FG”. The driver claimed legitimate ownership, but investigators discovered the registration documents were forged and that the individual was impersonating a Permanent Secretary attached to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The police have opened a case of alleged culpable homicide for the hotel manager’s death and a fraud investigation for the fake plate, promising to bring the suspects before court once inquiries are completed. Authorities urged the public to cooperate with law‑enforcement efforts and to report any suspicious activity promptly.