Father of Five Dies in Dispute Over ₦500 in Delta State

A 45-year-old man, Ukoliko Samuel, tragically lost his life following a heated dispute over ₦500 that escalated into a physical altercation with a friend. The incident occurred on December 7 in Okpare Community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, leaving the community in shock.

The conflict reportedly began at a party attended by Samuel and four friends, including the alleged assailant, Othuke Aaron. According to witnesses, the group was given ₦2,500 to share among themselves as a gesture of appreciation. Samuel had stepped away temporarily and, upon his return, discovered the others had left.

When Samuel confronted Aaron about his ₦500 share, Aaron allegedly claimed he had not been tasked with collecting it and suggested Samuel inquire with the person who distributed the money. Samuel, however, argued that Aaron should have collected his portion on his behalf, given their close relationship and his prior notification of his brief absence.

The disagreement escalated into a heated argument and then a physical fight. During the altercation, Aaron reportedly went into his house, put on a ring, and returned to punch Samuel. Witnesses say Samuel fell to the ground, hitting his head on the tarred road, and began bleeding from his nose, ears, and mouth. He was rushed to a hospital in Oleh, where doctors confirmed him dead.

Police officers from the Oleh division arrested Aaron, who was among those who brought Samuel to the hospital. According to a relative of the deceased, Aaron spent four days in custody before being transferred to the Delta State Police Command in Asaba for further investigation.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full circumstances of the tragedy.