A 36-years-old man, Felix Omokhoa is facing murder charge at Ekpoma Magistrate Court, Ekpoma-Edo State, for allegedly stoning to death his neighbour, one Richard Ikekhua over electricity bill. The accused who allegedly committed the crime on January 16, 2016 in Ukpoke-Uhiele, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, hit a piece of cement block on the deceased’s forehead during a fight, resulting in his death.
When the case with Charge No.11/c/2016 came up for hearing at the magistrate court, Ekpoma, the plea could not be taken as the magistrate, Mr. Afe Osamudiamen declined jurisdiction and ordered that the file be duplicated and sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal action.
According to police investigation, the accused and the deceased who are co-tenants had a quarrel over the deceased’s refusal to pay his share of re-connection fee.
Following his refusal, the accused with other neighbours resolved to disconnect the deceased’s apartment. This was said to have infuriated the deceased who consequently reported the case to the electricity company, since the re-connection was illegally procured, and also reported the case against the accused at the police station.
The electricity company thereafter disconnected the entire house, while the police arrested the accused, but eventually settled the matter between them with a stern warning on the accused not to foment any further trouble.
But when the duo returned home, another quarrel ensued resulting in a fight during which the accused hauled a piece of cement block at deceased’s forehead, killing him instantly.
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