A Dispute Over Installment Payments

Justin Azubike Owefu, popularly known as “Biggie,” an industrious PalmPay agent and graduate of Delta State University, died on September 13, 2026. His death followed a confrontation on September 10 involving a customer over a mobile phone purchased through an installment-payment arrangement.

According to accounts provided by relatives and associates, Moses Okitikpi of Abraka had acquired a phone valued at N185,000 through Owefu. The agreement required an initial deposit of N30,000 followed by weekly payments of N11,000. When the customer allegedly defaulted on these payments for several weeks, the device was remotely restricted in accordance with the financing terms.

Even after making some partial payments, the customer reportedly demanded that the phone be unlocked immediately. The dispute eventually involved the customer's guarantor, Onome Okitikpi, a POS operator at the NUT Junction in Abraka, leading to a final, fatal encounter.

The Fatal Encounter at NUT Junction

The situation escalated on the evening of September 10, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Owefu was reportedly on the road with his wife and daughter when he was confronted by Moses and Onome Okitikpi regarding the restricted phone. They allegedly demanded an instant restoration of the device's service.

Owefu reportedly explained that the unlocking process was procedural and could take up to three days to complete. During the confrontation, his personal belongings were seized. When Owefu attempted to retrieve his phone, he was allegedly pushed, causing him to fall and strike his head against the tarred road.

The fall resulted in a serious head injury that left Owefu in a coma for three days. While doctors recommended emergency surgery estimated at N10 million, Owefu passed away on September 13 before the intervention could be carried out. He leaves behind a wife and a 10-year-old daughter.

A Family’s Plea for Justice

Following the incident, a report was lodged at the Abraka Police Station on September 11, 2026. However, the deceased's family and associates have expressed growing concern over the absence of any arrests. They fear that without urgent intervention, the circumstances surrounding the death could be overlooked.

The family is now appealing to the Nigeria Police Force, specifically the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, to ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation. They are seeking to establish the full facts regarding the alleged assault and ensure that those responsible face legal consequences.

For the grieving relatives, the focus has shifted from a commercial disagreement to the loss of a young father and husband. They maintain that the dispute over a phone should never have resulted in violence, and they continue to demand answers from the authorities to ensure the case does not go unresolved.