By RismadarVoice Media
December 22, 2025
A family gathering in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State turned tragic after a 47-year-old man allegedly killed his first cousin during a heated argument over the refund of a ₦1,000 contribution.
The incident, which occurred on December 12, 2025, was confirmed on Monday by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter).
According to the police, members of the family had just returned from the burial of a relative and subsequently convened a meeting.
Tensions escalated when a disagreement broke out over the refund of ₦1,000 contributed for burial rites.
“This young man was dragging and bringing down fire and brimstone that they must give him back his ₦1,000,” Edafe said.
He explained that the argument degenerated into a physical confrontation.
“In the process of dragging, he started fighting. 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,” Edafe stated.
The deceased, aged 42, reportedly tried to calm the suspect during the altercation but later succumbed to injuries sustained in the fight.
“Now, a ₦1,000 argument has led to the death of a family member,” the police spokesperson lamented. “Somebody has died just because of ₦1,000.”
The suspect, identified as Ezekiel, expressed remorse while speaking with police and claimed the incident was accidental.
He admitted that several relatives, including the deceased, had pleaded with him to calm down.
“It was by mistake. I didn’t know when I hit him,” Ezekiel said.
He further explained that the money in dispute was a burial contribution traditionally refunded to contributors after the ceremony.
“After everything, they always share it. That’s how we return the money to the owner,” he said.
Using the incident as a cautionary tale, SP Edafe Bright urged Nigerians to exercise restraint, even in the face of minor disagreements.
“You have to control your temper. Any form of fighting could lead to death. It can turn into manslaughter. It could turn into murder. A word is enough for the wise. Prevention is better than cure,” he advised.
The incident adds to a growing list of deadly disputes over small sums of money and family disagreements.
In 2023, a man, Ibrahim Dauda, allegedly killed his brother, Tunde, during a fight over ₦1,000 at their residence in Igando, Lagos State.
Similarly, in September 2025, the Anambra State Police Command arrested Okwuchukwu Ezimuo for allegedly stabbing his relative to death over a family land dispute in Idemili South Local Government Area.
Police say investigations into the Delta incident are ongoing, while the suspect remains in custody.
