The Delta State Police Command has intensified its manhunt for a suspect allegedly involved in the death of a PalmPay agent, Justin Azubike Owefu, also known as "Biggie," in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Council of the state. According to the police, the suspect has yet to be arrested, but operatives are actively searching for him. The police assured that they will continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Owefu's death and ensure that justice is served.
Justin Azubike Owefu, a graduate of Delta State University, Abraka, was a PalmPay agent covering Obiaruku, Abraka, and Warri. He was married with a 10-year-old daughter and was described by relatives and associates as an industrious and resourceful young man. Owefu's death has sparked widespread concern, with his family and associates calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to accounts from relatives and associates, the incident that led to Owefu's death was connected to a phone-financing arrangement operated through PalmPay. The arrangement allows customers to obtain mobile phones and repay the cost in installments. Owefu had facilitated the purchase of a phone valued at about N185,000 by a customer, Moses Okitikpi of Abraka, who reportedly paid an initial deposit of N30,000 and agreed to repay the balance at N11,000 weekly.
However, Okitikpi allegedly defaulted on the repayment schedule for several weeks, resulting in the phone being remotely restricted. Although Okitikpi made some subsequent payments, the disagreement continued over his demand that the device be immediately unlocked. His guarantor, Onome Okitikpi, reportedly his nephew and a PoS operator, was also said to have become involved in the dispute.
The situation took a tragic turn on September 10, 2026, when Owefu was confronted by Moses and Onome while traveling with his wife and daughter. The two men demanded that he immediately unlock the financed phone, which Owefu explained was a procedural process that could not be carried out immediately. The disagreement escalated, and Owefu was allegedly pushed, fell, and hit his head on the tarred road, sustaining a serious head injury.
Owefu remained in a coma for three days, while doctors recommended emergency surgery estimated at about N10 million. He died on September 13, three days after the alleged incident. The matter was reported at the Abraka Police Station on September 11, prompting the deceased's family and associates to call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The family has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, to ensure that the investigation is concluded and that anyone found to have committed an offense is prosecuted in accordance with the law. The police have confirmed that they are actively searching for the suspect and will continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Owefu's death.
Key points
- The Delta State Police Command is intensifying its manhunt for a suspect linked to the death of a PalmPay agent, Justin Azubike Owefu.
- The incident was connected to a phone-financing arrangement operated through PalmPay, which allows customers to obtain mobile phones and repay the cost in installments.
- The family of the deceased has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the investigation is concluded and that anyone found to have committed an offense is prosecuted.
