OKPE, Nigeria — The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man, simply identified as Paul, who allegedly stabbed his younger brother, Saturday, to death during a violent altercation in Ugbokodo, Okpe Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Ugbokodo waterside, reportedly began with a dispute over a missing sum of N2,000 belonging to Paul’s wife.
According to accounts from local residents, the deceased had been accused by his brother’s wife of stealing the money—an accusation he denied.
Witnesses said a confrontation ensued during which the woman seized the deceased’s shirt and, amid the tension, was slapped by him.
Neighbours quickly intervened to separate the pair, but the situation escalated when the woman alerted her husband, known in the community as “Papa Jeffery.”
According to police and eyewitness reports, Paul returned to the scene with one of his sons and later tracked his younger brother to the nearby waterside.
There, they allegedly beat and stabbed him multiple times, leading to his death.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest in a message to journalists, stating simply, “Confirmed,” and noting that the suspect is in custody.
The killing sparked outrage in Ugbokodo.
In a wave of reprisal, angry youths set fire to the suspect’s home and his wife’s shop.
Security forces, including soldiers and police officers, were deployed to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has yet to release a formal statement, but investigations into the circumstances surrounding the murder are ongoing.
Local authorities have urged residents to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to handle the matter, as tensions remain high in the community.
