Alleged Middleman Tanimola Dies in Abuja Hotel Fire

Dolapo Babatund Tanimola, identified as an alleged middleman in a controversial appointment involving Femi Gbajabiamila, died on October 22, 2025, after sustaining severe burns in a fire at Kachi Hotel, Abuja, on October 9, 2025. Reports indicate that Tanimola was asleep when smoke filled his room, leading to a desperate attempt to escape, during which he suffered burns to 53% of his body.

He was later rushed to the National Hospital's trauma center. Allegations surfaced that Tanimola facilitated a payment of N400 million for Gbajabiamila's appointment and that Gbajabiamila demanded 48% of a proposed N27.4 billion grant request.

Gbajabiamila has denied these allegations and threatened a N10 billion defamation lawsuit against Adeyemi, who made the claims. The Federal Fire Service confirmed a major fire incident at the hotel, which has raised suspicions regarding the circumstances of Tanimola's death, leading to calls for President Bola Tinubu to investigate.