A 40-year-old man, Eze Elechi Amadi, has been brought before an Akure Magistrate’s Court for allegedly killing his 21-year-old friend and housemate, Otu Ifeanyi, during a quarrel over a N20,000 debt.

The incident happened in Kajola community, shocking residents after a disagreement spiraled into fatal violence.

According to police investigations, Amadi accused Ifeanyi of withdrawing money from his account without repayment. The heated argument allegedly turned violent when Amadi flogged Ifeanyi with a horsewhip and repeatedly punched him until he collapsed. The victim reportedly died on the spot.

In a bid to hide the crime, Amadi was said to have stuffed Ifeanyi’s body into a sack, placed it inside a blue plastic drum, and tied it to his motorcycle. His plan to dump the corpse in a bush failed when the load slipped off the bike. Unable to recover it, he abandoned both the motorcycle and the drum before fleeing.

The body was later discovered by a passerby returning from a night vigil, who immediately alerted the police. Further investigation led to Amadi, who was reportedly hiding in the ceiling of his residence before eventually surrendering to authorities.

Police prosecutor Austine Omhenimhen told the court that the offence occurred on August 24, 2025, at around 1:50 p.m., and contravened 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 advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The case was adjourned to October 13 for further hearing.