A landlord, identified as Apeh Benjamin, has reportedly passed away following a heated argument with his tenant over unpaid rent in Aribabu village on Sunday morning in Ogun State.
The tenant, known as Emmanuel, had reportedly threatened the landlord during the altercation, which is believed to have escalated due to Emmanuel’s outstanding rent payments.
According to a statement released on Monday by Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Apeh Benjamin collapsed and died around 6:30 AM on June 2.
The circumstances leading to his sudden death are currently under investigation.
“One Apeh Benjamin of Aribabu village, Sotubo Ogun State a landlord slumped, and died at about 0630hrs on 2nd of June, over a heated argument with one Emmanuel his tenant who threatened to kill his landlord, over unpaid rent.”
“Investigation is on,” Odutola said.
The confrontation reportedly began early on Sunday morning when Apeh Benjamin approached Emmanuel regarding several months of overdue rent. The argument intensified as both parties raised their voices, attracting the attention of nearby residents. Witnesses claimed that Emmanuel, in the heat of the moment, allegedly made threats against Benjamin’s life, which further aggravated the situation.
As the argument reached its peak, Benjamin suddenly collapsed. Efforts by neighbors to revive him proved futile, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The news of his death sent shockwaves through the small community, with many expressing disbelief and sorrow over the tragic incident.
In the official statement, the police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The police have also taken Emmanuel into custody for questioning to ascertain his role in the incident and to gather more information about the threats allegedly made during the argument.
The Ogun State Police Command has assured the public that they are committed to a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the facts surrounding the case. They have also urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could exacerbate tensions in the community.
This incident has sparked discussions on social media about tenant-landlord relationships and the importance of addressing conflicts through peaceful means. Many have called for improved conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent such tragic outcomes in the future. The community continues to mourn the loss of Apeh Benjamin, while awaiting further updates from the ongoing investigation.