A 37-year-old PalmPay agent and branch manager, Justin Azubike Owefu, popularly known as “Biggie,” has died after he was allegedly assaulted during a dispute over a ₦185,000 phone purchased through an instalment payment arrangement in Abraka, Delta State.
Owefu, a graduate of Delta State University, Abraka, reportedly suffered a severe head injury after he was allegedly pushed to the ground during the confrontation on September 10, 2026.
He reportedly died three days later, on September 13, leaving behind his wife and 10-year-old daughter.
How the Dispute Started
According to relatives and associates, Owefu was travelling with his wife and daughter at about 8:30pm when he was allegedly confronted by a man identified as Moses Okitikpi and his guarantor, Onome Okitikpi.
The confrontation was reportedly linked to a ₦185,000 phone Moses had obtained through an instalment payment arrangement facilitated by Owefu.
Sources said the buyer initially paid ₦30,000 and was expected to pay ₦11,000 weekly until the outstanding balance was cleared.
The phone was reportedly configured to be remotely restricted when scheduled payments were not made. It was eventually locked after the buyer allegedly defaulted for several weeks.
Although the buyer reportedly made some subsequent payments, he allegedly continued demanding that Owefu unlock the phone immediately.
Owefu was said to have explained that the unlocking process was not within his immediate control and could take up to three days, particularly because the confrontation occurred during the weekend.
PalmPay Agent Allegedly Pushed During Confrontation
According to accounts provided by Owefu’s family and associates, the disagreement escalated during the confrontation.
The men allegedly took Owefu’s phone and other belongings. Owefu was reportedly attempting to retrieve his property when he was allegedly pushed and fell, hitting his head on the tarred road.
He was subsequently rushed to hospital for treatment and reportedly remained unconscious for three days.
Doctors were said to have recommended emergency surgery estimated to cost about ₦10 million.
However, Owefu reportedly died on September 13 before the surgery could be carried out.
Family Demands Justice
The death has triggered calls for justice from Owefu’s family, friends and business associates, who are demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The matter was reportedly reported at the Abraka Police Station on September 11 while Owefu was still receiving medical treatment.
His family and associates, however, have raised concerns over an alleged delay in apprehending those accused of involvement in the incident.
The allegations have not been established in court, and the circumstances surrounding Owefu’s death remain subject to police investigation.
Police Investigation Ordered
Community activist Israel Joe, popularly known as “TableBreaker”, said he became involved after Owefu’s family approached him to seek justice.
Joe said he subsequently contacted the Delta State Commissioner of Police after the family complained about alleged inaction at the Abraka Divisional Headquarters.
According to Joe, the Commissioner directed the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to investigate the matter and apprehend anyone found culpable.
Joe said the police command had requested photographs and other details concerning the case, which he forwarded to the Commissioner.
He added that the VCRU had been deployed to Abraka to investigate the circumstances surrounding Owefu’s death and identify those responsible if the allegations are established.
Joe also appealed to the Abraka police division to ensure that the investigation was conducted professionally, while saying members of the community were ready to assist the authorities.
Who Was Justin Owefu?
Owefu’s associates described him as an industrious and resourceful businessman who supported his family through his work in the phone-financing business.
His business activities reportedly covered Obiaruku, Abraka and Warri in Delta State.
He was said to have been the only surviving son of his widowed mother and the breadwinner of his immediate family.
His relatives said he was maternally from Obiaruku in Ukwuani Local Government Area and paternally from Aragba-Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
For the family, a dispute that reportedly began over an outstanding payment for a ₦185,000 phone has now resulted in the death of a young husband and father.
They are calling on the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Government to ensure that anyone found culpable in the circumstances leading to Owefu’s death is arrested and prosecuted.
The family is also seeking a full investigation to establish exactly what happened during the confrontation and ensure that those responsible face justice.