Grief and outrage have engulfed Aba, Abia State, as the family of 17-year-old Divine Odide continues to demand justice following his tragic and suspicious death at the swimming pool of Merryhome Hotels, located on Chief Ubani Street, Off 7Up Road, Ogbor Hill. The heartbreaking incident occurred on June 10, 2025, during what was meant to be a casual swimming outing.
Divine’s father, Mr. Orji Odide, broke down in tears while addressing journalists in Umuahia on Wednesday, June 25. With his voice shaking, he appealed to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and the State Police Command to intervene, accusing the hotel management of gross negligence and what he described as an “unforgivable attempt to cover up the truth.”
The family’s account revealed that after Divine drowned, the hotel allegedly delayed informing emergency responders, a decision that may have cost the teenager his life. Mr. Odide disclosed that initial police reports were filed at Glass Police Station near 7Up, Aba, before the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia for further inquiry.
According to Mr. Odide, efforts by the hotel to allegedly suppress CCTV footage from the pool area have raised serious questions about what really happened that day. Eyewitnesses at the hotel claim there was no lifeguard on duty at the time of the incident, sparking concerns over safety standards at the facility.
The grieving father stated that the family is not seeking financial compensation but rather demanding a full autopsy, transparent investigation, and prosecution of anyone found culpable. He further pleaded with human rights organizations, child advocacy groups, and media houses to help amplify their call for justice.
Public sympathy has been growing since the story broke, with many residents of Aba and Umuahia flooding social media with #JusticeForDivine hashtags. Several civil rights groups, including the Abia Youth Forum, have called for the immediate closure of Merryhome Hotels pending the outcome of the investigation.
As the SCID investigation continues, the family vows not to rest until full accountability is achieved. The Odide family has promised to stage peaceful protests if they sense any attempt to derail the case, urging Nigerians to stand with them in their fight for justice for Divine.
