In a tragic incident in the Oko Oba area of Lagos State, Taiwo Badejo allegedly stabbed his friend, identified simply as Monday, to death over a debt of N2,500.
Witnesses reported that Badejo and Monday were engaged in a heated argument over the money, which escalated into a physical altercation on Friday. Despite efforts by bystanders to intervene, the conflict intensified.
Tope Ajise, a resident of Egbatedo Street where the incident occurred, recounted, “It started as an argument the night before, and by morning, we heard that Taiwo had stabbed Monday over N2,500. Monday came to collect the money he lent Taiwo, which led to Taiwo stabbing him. Unfortunately, Monday bled to death.”
Another local, Taofeek, noted that Badejo was among a group of young men in the area without stable employment. “They just hang around, tax people, and eat. Many here lack a tangible source of income, leading to issues like this,” he said.
A resident close to the deceased’s family, who wished to remain anonymous, told PUNCH Metro that members of the Yoruba vigilante group, Oodua People’s Congress, promptly arrested Taiwo. “They were friends. It’s unfortunate things escalated so badly. Taiwo was handed over to the police at Abattoir Police Station.”
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident and the arrest. “The suspect, Taiwo Badejo, has been arrested. The case is now with the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti,” Hundeyin said.
This incident adds to a series of similar tragic events in Lagos. Last December, Eboh Joshua was allegedly stabbed to death by his friend, Adeyeye Adedolapo, in Baruwa, Ipaja. In another case, John was fatally stabbed by his friend, Akinola Adeleye, after a dispute over who would pay for a meal in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area.
Both suspects in these cases were arrested and arraigned in court.