Sex worker brothel death in Akure triggers investigation after a violent ₦15,000 dispute. Police confirm arrests and promise justice in tragic incident

Sex worker brothel death has sparked a police investigation in Akure, Ondo State, following a violent altercation that ended in tragedy. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday in the Cathedral area of the state capital.

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According to multiple sources, the altercation began after a male customer demanded a refund of ₦15,000 from a sex worker, citing dissatisfaction with the service.

The man reportedly claimed that the woman had complained of weakness during intercourse, prompting him to seek reimbursement.

Eyewitnesses said the disagreement quickly escalated into a heated exchange. Tempers flared as the two engaged in a verbal and physical confrontation inside the brothel.

Although the manager of the brothel attempted to defuse the situation and urged both parties to calm down, the customer left the premises, only to return minutes later with a group of men believed to be his associates.

The group reportedly tried to forcibly retrieve the money, creating panic among other occupants of the building. Fearing further escalation, the brothel manager alerted the police.

Officers from the ‘A’ Division of the Nigeria Police Force responded swiftly, arriving on the scene and arresting three suspects while the others managed to flee.

During the chaos, the health of the sex worker deteriorated. She was rushed to a nearby hospital in the Lafe area of Akure and later transferred to the police hospital in the city, but she was confirmed dead on arrival. The circumstances surrounding her collapse remain unclear.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the incident in a statement to reporters on Monday. He revealed that three men had been taken into custody and that efforts were ongoing to track down two others who remain at large.

“The names of those involved are being withheld pending further investigation,” Olayinka said. “The victim’s body has been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital morgue for a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.”

He further disclosed that Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

The move is aimed at ensuring a thorough and professional probe into the incident, with emphasis on securing justice for the deceased.

“This is a serious case, and we are treating it with the urgency it deserves,” Olayinka noted. “The public can rest assured that no stone will be left unturned. We call on anyone with information that could aid the investigation to come forward.”

The brothel remains under police watch as detectives continue to gather evidence. Neighbours and workers within the facility have been interviewed, and the local community is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

The sex worker brothel death has reignited concerns over the safety of women in informal occupations and the broader issue of violence against vulnerable persons in urban centres.

Advocacy groups in Akure have begun calling for more regulation of establishments where such incidents occur, as well as stronger protections for women working in high-risk environments.

While the police have not yet released the official cause of death, the autopsy report is expected to play a critical role in determining the next steps in the legal process.

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For now, residents of the Cathedral area remain shocked by the tragic events, and attention turns to the authorities to deliver justice and ensure similar incidents are prevented in the future.