The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a landlord and his associate following the death of a tenant, identified as Olayeni, during a dispute over unpaid rent in the Oriyangi area of Ibadan.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, when an argument broke out between the landlord and Olayeni over outstanding rent. The landlord’s associate allegedly struck the tenant during the altercation, causing him to collapse. Despite the swift intervention of emergency responders, Olayeni was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
In a statement released on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the arrests and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway.
“The Oyo State Police Command expresses its condolences to the victim’s family and guarantees that justice will be served,” the statement read.
The tragic incident has once again sparked public debate over the rising cost of housing in Nigeria, with growing calls for government intervention to reduce frequent clashes between landlords and tenants.
This is not the first time Ibadan has witnessed such violence. In 2011, police arrested a landlord accused of killing his tenant, Jelili Akande, during an argument over a ₦300 electricity bill.