A 40-year-old man, identified as Eze Elechi Amadi, has been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court for allegedly murdering his 21-year-old friend and housemate, Otu Ifeanyi, following a quarrel over N20,000.
The tragic incident occurred in Kajola community, where residents were left in shock after what began as a minor dispute spiraled into violence.
Police investigators said Amadi accused Ifeanyi of withdrawing money from his account without repayment. The altercation escalated, with Amadi allegedly lashing the victim with a horsewhip and landing multiple punches until Ifeanyi collapsed. He reportedly died instantly.
In an attempt to conceal the crime, Amadi allegedly stuffed the corpse into a sack, hid it in a blue plastic drum, and fastened it to his motorcycle.
His plan to dump the body in the bush failed when the load slipped off the bike along the road. Unable to recover it, he abandoned both the drum and the motorcycle before fleeing the scene.
The grisly discovery was made by a passerby returning from a night vigil, who quickly alerted the police. Investigators later traced the crime back to Amadi, who was reportedly hiding inside the ceiling of his residence before eventually turning himself in to law enforcement.
Police prosecutor Austine Omhenimhen informed the court that the offence occurred on August 24, 2025, at about 1:50 p.m., and was contrary to Sections 324 and 316 of the Ondo State Criminal Code, punishable under Section 319.
The defendant’s plea was not taken.
Presiding Magistrate Odenusi Fadeyi ordered Amadi’s remand at the Okitipupa Correctional Centre, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP. The case was adjourned until October 13 for further hearing.
Ondo man kills 21-year-old friend over N20,000 debt
