A 47-year-old man identified only as Ezekiel is now in police custody in Delta State after allegedly killing his own first cousin during a violent argument over a refund of one thousand naira (₦1,000) meant for burial rites.
How a Family Meeting Turned Deadly
The tragic incident occurred in the Ughelli South area of the state on Friday, December 12, 2025. According to the Delta State Police Command, the family had just returned from a relative's burial and convened a meeting. The gathering, however, quickly descended into chaos.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, narrated the event in a video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle @Brightgoldenboy on Monday, December 22, 2025. The dispute centred on a ₦1,000 contribution made for the burial expenses.
SP Bright explained the suspect's perspective, stating, "This young man was dragging and bringing all down fire and brimstone that they must give him back his 1,000. In the process of dragging, he started fighting."
The Fatal Blow and Aftermath
During the physical altercation, the situation escalated fatally. "Somewhere along the line, according to him, while he was trying to wriggle his way out of the fight, he used his hand to hit one of the brothers, a relative of his, who eventually died," the police spokesperson added.
Ezekiel, the suspect, claimed the money was a traditional contribution that is typically returned to the contributor after the funeral ceremony. "After everything, they always shared it. That’s how we return the money to the owner," he told the police.
SP Bright lamented the senseless loss, noting, "Now, N1,000 argument has led to the death of a family member. He was being cautioned even by this very guy who eventually passed." The victim was reportedly trying to calm the suspect down before the fatal blow was struck.
Public Reaction and Legal Precedents
The news has sparked significant reactions from Nigerians online, with many debating the legal and social implications.
One X user, @DayoIge2, commented on the potential legal outcome: "This guy may be acquitted if the family doesn't want to press charges... Or perhaps receive a reduced sentence if the state is truly willing to prosecute him."
Others, like @gtstride, pointed to systemic issues: "Sir Edafe, an autopsy would have unravelled everything, but unfortunately we are in Nigeria, and nothing gets done properly or professionally."
Some focused on the suspect's legal strategy, with @Adedejibanik1 advising, "That’s why u always need a lawyer before saying anything! He can easily say he wasn’t the one that hit him cos they were too many people there!"
This tragic event echoes other recent cases of extreme violence over trivial amounts in Nigeria. The report recalled the case of Anas Dahiruwas, who was sentenced to life imprisonment and death by hanging by a Zamfara State High Court for killing his friend, Shamu Ibrahim, over a dispute involving just N100.
In a similar vein, the Anambra State Police Command recently confirmed an incident where a 37-year-old man, Kosisochukwu Okafor, allegedly killed his own brother during a fight over the use of foodstuffs in their home.
The Delta State Police Command continues its investigation into the Ughelli case as the community grapples with the shocking loss of life over a seemingly insignificant sum.
