Friendship turns fatal: ₦20k quarrel ends in alleged murder, arrest

The Akure Division of the Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State has ordered the remand of a suspected drug dealer, Eze Elechi Amadi, at the Okitipupa Correctional Centre for allegedly killing his friend and housemate during a dispute over ₦20,000.

Police investigations revealed that Amadi, aged 40, allegedly assaulted 21-year-old Otu Ifeanyi using a horsewhip and his fists, after demanding repayment of money he had previously withdrawn on Ifeanyi’s behalf. The attack reportedly led to Ifeanyi’s death on the spot.

In a bid to dispose of the body, Amadi is said to have stuffed the corpse into a sack, placed it inside a blue drum, and attempted to dump it in a nearby bush by tying it to his motorcycle.

However, the plan backfired when the drum fell off by the roadside, forcing Amadi to abandon both the body and his bike.

An eyewitness returning from a vigil discovered the suspicious-looking drum, raised the alarm, and alerted authorities, which led to Amadi’s arrest.

Prosecutor Austine Omhenimhen informed the court that the offence, which occurred on 24 August 2025, contravenes Sections 324 and 316, and is punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ondo State.

The court did not take Amadi’s plea, as the prosecutor applied for his remand pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Defence counsel, Aki Amuluku, requested an adjournment to file a counter-affidavit, but Magistrate Odenusi Fadeyi ordered Amadi’s remand in custody and adjourned the matter to 13 October 2025 for further hearing.