𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 Fintech 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐀
This is Mr. Justin Azubuike Ewofobe, popularly known as "Biggie". He was an industrious young man who was maternally from Obiaruku in Ukwuani Local Government Area, and paternally from Aragba-Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.
Biggie was a Fintech agent covering Obiaruku, Abraka and Warri. He was married and a father to a 10-year-old daughter. He was a graduate of Delta State University, Abraka.
According to information gathered from his relatives and associates, Biggie was involved in a phone-financing arrangement through a fintech, where customers could purchase phones and pay in installments. The phones are programmed to be remotely locked when customers default on payment.
The incident allegedly started after one Moses Okitikpi of Abraka purchased a phone valued at ₦185,000 through Biggie. He paid an initial deposit of ₦30,000 with an agreement to pay ₦11,000 weekly.
According to the account, Moses defaulted on the weekly payments for several weeks, which led to the phone being restricted. Even after making some part payments afterwards, he reportedly continued to demand that the phone be unlocked immediately.
His guarantor, Onome Okitikpi, who is said to be Moses' nephew and a POS operator around NUT Junction in Abraka, was also said to be involved in the matter.
On September 10, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m., Biggie was reportedly confronted by Moses and Onome while he was on the road with his wife and daughter.
They allegedly demanded that he immediately unlock the phone. Biggie reportedly explained that unlocking the phone was a procedural process that could not be done instantly and could take up to three days.
The situation allegedly escalated. Biggie's phone and other personal belongings were forcibly taken.
It was further alleged that when Biggie tried to retrieve his phone, he was pushed, fell, and hit his head on the tarred road.
He sustained a serious head injury and developed internal complications. He reportedly remained in a coma for three days. Doctors recommended an emergency surgery estimated to cost about ₦10 million. Sadly, Biggie died on September 13, 2026, three days after the incident.
The matter was reportedly lodged at the Abraka Police Station on September 11, 2026. However, according to family and friends, there is concern that the case has not received the attention it deserves. There is fear that the matter may be abandoned or swept under the carpet, as no arrest has been made since the incident.
This is a call on the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, to urgently intervene, ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
A young husband, father, son, and resourceful youth has lost his life over an issue that could have been resolved amicably.
Justice must prevail.
(C)