Man beats neighbour to death over N4,500 debt
Story from Hamzat Ibrahim ABAGA
A man identified as Wasiu Oyekan has allegedly beaten his neighbour, Ibrahim Lateef, to death over N4,500 debt.
The unfortunate incident took place in Ogun State on Sunday when Oyekan reportedly punched Lateef in the neck, causing him to fall and fatally strike his head against the ground.
Lateef tragically succumbed to his injuries and passed away not long after the attack.
According to reports, the motive behind the violent act stemmed from a dispute over a damaged PS video game. Oyekan accused Lateef’s son and other children of causing the damage while playing the game in August.
Seeking compensation for repairs, Oyekan demanded N9,000 from the boy’s father.
However, the father provided only N4,500, promising to pay the balance later. Oyekan became increasingly frustrated as the balance remained unpaid, leading him to involve the police on Sunday.
When Lateef’s father returned home and discovered that Oyekan had involved the police, he confronted him. As he attempted to question Oyekan about involving his son in the matter, Oyekan allegedly attacked him with a forceful blow to the neck. Lateef immediately fell to the ground, hitting his head, which resulted in profuse bleeding from his nose and ears.
This newspaper gathered that Oyekan is presently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Police Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
The deceased, also known as Tijuuku, is survived by his mother, his wife, who is currently nursing a two-month-old baby girl, his other children, and younger siblings.
The devastating news of Lateef’s death caused his aged mother to faint.
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the incident, and investigations are ongoing, and appropriate legal action will be taken against the perpetrator, allowing justice to be served for Lateef and his grieving family.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, while confirming the incident said the case has been transferred to the force headquarters the day it happened.
According to her, the deceased went to fight Oyekan for reporting his child at the police station, saying that was the beginning of the tragic incident that led to his death.