Rent dispute turns deadly as landlord’s son kills tenant’s wife

Quozeem Awe Ore rent dispute leaves nursing mother dead in Ondo State. Police confirm arrest and ongoing investigation

A 27-year-old landlord’s son, Quozeem Awe, has been arrested following a fatal altercation over alleged unpaid house rent in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

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The incident, which occurred around 5.00 a.m. in the Ore Alaba area, left a nursing mother, Deborah Adeleye, dead and two family members injured.

According to eyewitnesses who spoke to Hope Newspaper, an Ondo State-owned publication, the confrontation stemmed from a disagreement between Awe and tenant Mathew Adeleye over rent payment.

The dispute had reportedly lingered for weeks before escalating in the early hours of Thursday.

Mathew Adeleye, speaking from his hospital bed, said tenants in the building had earlier received a quit notice despite their rent not being due.

Mathew Adeleye stated that his tenancy was scheduled to expire on March 16 and that he had already secured a new apartment.

Mathew Adeleye said preparations to relocate were underway on the morning the violence erupted.

According to Mathew Adeleye, Quozeem Awe allegedly knocked on the apartment door at about 5.00 a.m. While Mathew Adeleye briefly stepped out, another tenant opened the entrance door.

Quozeem Awe allegedly forced his way inside and attacked Deborah Adeleye, who was in the room with her children.

Deborah Adeleye was pronounced dead shortly after the assault.

Mathew Adeleye sustained multiple injuries during a struggle.

The couple’s daughter, Tunrayo Adeleye, also suffered a wound to the wrist while attempting to flee.

Residents responded swiftly to distress calls and rushed the injured to a nearby hospital.

The shocking incident sent ripples of fear across the neighbourhood, particularly among families in the densely populated area.

Police sources confirmed that Quozeem Awe later surrendered at a nearby police station.

The body of Deborah Adeleye has been deposited at a morgue in Ore.

Ondo State Police Command officials said investigations into the matter are ongoing.

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Authorities have not yet announced formal charges.

David Okere