The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 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, the state capital.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, when an altercation reportedly broke out between the landlord and Olayeni over his inability to settle outstanding rent. According to police reports, the landlord’s associate allegedly struck the tenant during the confrontation, causing him to collapse.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and rushed Olayeni to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the arrests and assured the public that justice would be served.
“The suspects have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is underway. The Oyo State Police Command expresses condolences to the victim’s family and assures that justice will be served,” Osifeso said.
The tragedy has sparked public debate over the rising cost of rent in Nigeria, with many citizens urging government intervention to prevent violent clashes between landlords and tenants.
This is not the first time such a case has been reported in Ibadan. In 2011, police arrested another landlord for allegedly killing his tenant, Jelili Akande, during a dispute over a ₦300 electricity bill.
