A man has been arrested in Ogun State for shooting his stepbrother dead following a dispute over a debt. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the arrest of Lekan Lasisi. The incident occurred in Abule Tuntun, Odeda Local Government Area. Police say it happened on December 19.
The conflict began over a debt of four thousand naira. Police officials stated the suspect was angered by his stepbrother's repeated borrowing. Creditors often approached Lasisi to settle the deceased man's debts. This caused ongoing tension between the two stepbrothers. An argument about the money escalated on the day of the shooting.
According to a police account of the suspect's statement, the stepbrother brought out a cutlass. Lasisi claimed he then produced a gun. He told police he is a hunter and owned the firearm. Lasisi stated the gun discharged accidentally during the struggle. The shot struck his stepbrother, leading to the man's death.
A video of the suspect discussing the event was shared online. It was posted on Facebook by a user named Makinde Fasunle on December 29. In the video, Lasisi describes the events leading to the shooting. He said a creditor approached him about the debt that same day. The owed amount was four thousand naira for goods purchased.
Lasisi said he confronted his stepbrother when he returned from the market. He questioned him about the persistent debts and the shame it brought. The suspect claimed the victim became angry and agitated. He insisted he did not mean to fire the gun. Lasisi repeated that he had no plan to kill his stepbrother.
The Ogun State Police Command is continuing its investigation. They have not released the name of the deceased man. Police officials say they are reviewing the circumstances of the death. This includes the suspect's claim that the shooting was an accident. Charges will be filed after the investigation is complete.
Community leaders in Abule Tuntun have expressed shock over the event. They describe the incident as a tragic outcome from a small dispute. Local authorities are reminding citizens to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts. They also warn against taking the law into one's own hands.
The police did not specify the exact type of gun used in the shooting. They also did not comment on how Lasisi obtained the firearm. Nigerian law requires licenses for firearms. Hunting guns are sometimes held legally in rural areas. The police investigation will look into the gun's legal status.
This case highlights issues of debt and violence in some communities. Financial disputes between family members can sometimes turn deadly. The police urge the public to use formal mediation for such disagreements.