The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a landlord and his associate following the death of a tenant, identified as Olayeni, during a rent-related altercation in the Oriyangi area of Ibadan.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 3, when a disagreement over unpaid rent reportedly escalated.
According to police, the landlord’s associate allegedly struck Olayeni, causing him to collapse.
Despite the intervention of emergency responders, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso, in a statement issued on Sunday, said both suspects are in custody while investigations continue.
He added that the command extends its condolences to the victim’s family and assured the public that justice will be served.
The tragedy has stirred renewed debate over the rising cost of rent in Nigeria, with many calling on authorities to address disputes between landlords and tenants before they turn violent.
A similar incident was recorded in Ibadan in 2011 when a landlord was arrested for allegedly killing his tenant, Jelili Akande, during an argument over a N300 electricity bill.