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, Otu Ifeanyi, following a quarrel over N20,000.
According to police investigations, the two friends lived together before the dispute, which broke out after Amadi, 40, allegedly demanded repayment of money he had withdrawn on Ifeanyi’s behalf.
The argument reportedly turned violent, with Amadi beating the 21-year-old with a horsewhip and fists, leaving him dead on the spot.
Police further alleged that Amadi stuffed the body into a sack, placed it in a blue drum, and attempted to dump it in the bush by tying the drum to his motorcycle.
However, the drum fell off on the roadside, forcing him to abandon the body and his bike.
An eyewitness, returning from a vigil, discovered the body and alerted the police.
Residents later confirmed that the deceased had been living with the suspect.
Police prosecutor Austine Omhenimhen informed the court that the offence occurred on August 24, this year, about 1:50 p.m. at Kajola, within the Ondo Magisterial District.
He noted that the offence contravened 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. The prosecutor requested his remand pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Defence counsel, Aki Amuluku, sought an adjournment to file a counter-affidavit.
However, Magistrate Odenusi Fadeyi ordered Amadi’s remand and adjourned the case until October 13, 2025, for further hearing.