EKPOMA-A 36-years-old man, Felix Omokhoa is currently facing murder charge at Ekpoma Magistrate Court, Ekpoma-Edo State, for allegedly stoning his neighbour, one Richard Ikekhua to death over electricity bill.
The accused allegedly committed the crime on January 16, 2016 in Ukpoke-Uhiele, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, by hitting a piece of cement block on the deceased’s forehead during a fight, resulting in his instant death.
When the case with Charge No.11/c/2016 came up 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 the Director of public prosecution (DPP) for legal action.
According to police investigation details presented to the court for the prosecution, the accused and the deceased who are co-tenants had a quarrel over the deceased’s refusal to pay his share of reconnection fee.
Following his refusal, the accused with other neighbours resolved to disconnect the deceased’s apartment.
This infuriated the deceased who consequently reported the case to the electricity company, since the reconnection was illegally procured, and also incidented case against the accused at the police station.
The electricity companydisconnected the entire house, while the police arrested the accused, but eventually settled the matter between them with a stern warning on the accused not ferment 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.
