A 36-year-old man, Felix Omokhoa, is
currently facing murder charge at Ekpoma Magistrate Court, Edo State, for
allegedly stoning his neighbour, one Richard Ikekhua, to death over electricity
bill.
The accused was alleged to have committed
the crime on 16th January, 2016, in Ukpoke-Uhiele, Esan West Local Government
Area of Edo State, by hitting the head of Ikekhua with a piece of cement block
during a fight.
When the case with Charge No.11/c/2016 came
up for hearing at the magistrate court, 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 were co-tenants quarreled over the deceased's
refusal to pay his share of reconnection fee after their power was cut off.
It was gathered that after the deceased's
refusal, the accused with other neighbours resolved to disconnect the
deceased's apartment.
This infuriated the deceased, who
consequently reported a case of illegal reconnection against the accused to the
electricity distribution company and also incidented case against the Omokhoa
at the police station.
The electricity company 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.
It was gathered that when the duo returned
home, another quarrel ensued between them, 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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