Man Kills Associate Over Payment Of Power Bills In Lagos

A 54-year-old man and owner of a property in Lagos, Michael Igbonoba, has been taken before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court for the alleged murder of a co-landlord, Mr. Femi Fajuhami, after a fight over payment of PHCN bills.

Igbonoba and Fajuhami were said to be members of the Progressive Development Association, a landlord’s association in Morogbo area of Lagos State.

While the defendant was said to be in charge of collection of PHCN bills for the association, the deceased was its chairman.

The duo had a disagreement over payment of the electricity bill for the community.

Fajuhami, in his position as the chairman, had allegedly challenged Igbonoba for collecting money from residents without remitting same as of when due.

The disagreement was said to have degenerated into fisticuffs between the two men with the deceased sustaining injuries and cuts.

He was said to have died shortly after the incident, leading to the arrest of the defendant.

Igbonoba was subsequently charged with the murder of the 60-year-old man.

The police told the court that the defendant killed the deceased by giving him fist blows on his face which made him develop swollen face and nose.

The incident occurred in August, 2013.

The magistrate, Mr. O.A. Komolafe, however,  ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending the release of the DPP’s advice.

The matter was adjourned till September 25 for Directorate of Public Prosecution’s advice.