A family gathering in Ughelli South, Delta State, turned deadly when a 47-year-old man allegedly killed his first cousin over a ₦1,000 refund. The incident occurred on December 12, 2025, shortly after the family returned from a relative’s burial, Delta State Police spokesperson SP Edafe Bright confirmed in a video shared on X on Monday.
According to Edafe, tensions flared during a discussion about the refund of the small contribution. “This young man was dragging and bringing all down fire and brimstone that they must give him back his 1,000,” he said. The dispute escalated into a physical fight, and in the process, the suspect, identified as Ezekiel, hit his 42-year-old cousin, who later died from the injuries.
Ezekiel, who expressed remorse, claimed the death was accidental. “It was by mistake. I didn’t know when I hit him,” he said, noting that the deceased and other relatives had urged him to calm down. The ₦1,000 in question was reportedly a contribution for burial rites, traditionally refunded to the owner after the ceremony.
SP Edafe used the tragedy to caution the public about controlling their temper, even over minor disputes. “Any form of fighting could lead to death. It can turn into manslaughter. It could turn to murder. Please, a word they say is enough for the wise. Prevention is better than cure,” he urged.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly small disagreements can escalate into irreversible consequences, emphasizing the need for patience and emotional restraint in family and community conflicts.
Watch the video below:
