The Lagos Police Command has arrested an Islamic cleric Alfa Ganiyu Umaru for allegedly killing his landlord in Agbotikuyo bus stop, Ipaja, Lagos, The Punch reports.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening at about 8pm when the suspect stabbed the 45-year-old victim, Tajudeen Popoola, in the neck following an altercation.
The deceased’s brother, Azeez Popoola, who narrated the ordeal said Umaru attacked the landlord with a shard of broken glass.
He said, “Alfa usually quarreled with my brother because he used to correct his excesses. Any time they had a disagreement, he would threaten to kill my brother. On Sunday, he made good his threat.
“Everywhere was dark that evening. He sneaked into the passage where my brother was resting on a bench. Alfa didn’t know I was resting at a corner in the passage. I suddenly heard my brother scream and before I knew what was happening, blood was gushing out from his neck while Alfa fled.
“I went after him and with the help of neighbours, he was apprehended and the shard was recovered from him. We rushed my brother to the Ile Epo General Hospital; but before we got there, he had lost a lot of blood. He died a few minutes later. Alfa stabbed him in three different places in the neck.”
Tajudeen’s friend, David Aluko, said, “I am devastated. I can’t still believe that my friend is gone forever. The whole thing still appears to me as a movie. We both returned from the viewing centre that day and he told Alfa to stop drinking outside the building.
“Alfa said Tajudeen’s comment embarrassed him and he threatened to kill the landlord. I was discussing with people outside when I heard Azeez shouting upstairs that Alfa had stabbed his brother. Tajudeen was kind to everybody.”
A tenant, who identified himself only as Quadri, said Tajudeen was generous to him and other tenants.
“I live in his house in Dopemu. The last time I paid rent was 2014. I explained my challenges to him and he said I shouldn’t worry. He helped people a lot. There were occasions he gave tenants money from the rent they paid,” he added.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, is yet to confirm the incident.
However, a police source told said the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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