Tenant punches landlord dead over electricity bill

Detectives from Ondo State Police Command have arrested one Tope Akideji, who allegedly punched his 75-year-old landlord, Kayode Osunkalu, to death over electricity bill.

The suspect is being interrogated at the homicide section of the Command.

The deceased, a retired civil servant, owned a two-storey building located at 17, Ayeferere, Street in Ondo town. Officials of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, according to a source, reportedly brought a bill to the house and the deceased invited all tenants for talks on how to settle the bill.

A police source informed Vanguard that an argument over the settlement of the bill ensued between the suspect and the landlord when he gave an ultimatum that all tenants should contribute their share within 24 hours.


 He was said to have expressed concern over the huge amount owed and directed that all tenants endeavour to pay by all means to avoid disconnection by officials of the electricity company.

An argument reportedly ensued when the suspect said that the ultimatum could not be met by the tenants. The landlord reportedly tongue lashed him and held him by his shirt for several minutes. The intervention of other tenants failed to separate them, following which the suspect reportedly punched him and he slumped. The deceased was rushed to the state Specialist Hospital in Ondo town, where he was later confirmed dead by the medical personnel on duty.

Contacted, the Divisional Police Officer in Enuowa Police Station, where the matter was reported, Chief Superintendent Kunle Omisakin, confirmed the incident. Omisakin told Vanguard that the suspect has been transferred to the homicide section for further investigations. Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue of the state Specialist Hospital for autopsy.