Operatives of the Delta State Police Command, Nigeria, have arrested a 28-year-old man accused of killing his close friend following a dispute linked to a $1,000 internet fraud transaction, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident occurred on January 21, 2026, in Agbarho community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. Police identified the suspect as Oghenegare, while the victim was named Courage, both of whom were said to be involved in internet fraud activities, commonly referred to in Nigeria as “Yahoo.”
Confirming the arrest, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe said preliminary investigations revealed that the two men had been working together before the disagreement escalated into violence.
According to Edafe, the dispute centered on a $1,000 transaction that went wrong, leading to a confrontation between the two friends.
“Information available to the command indicates that the suspect confronted the deceased over issues arising from an online transaction,” Edafe said. “During the confrontation, a fight ensued, and the suspect allegedly struck the victim on the head.”
Police said the victim collapsed after sustaining the injury and later died, prompting residents to alert security operatives.
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Following the report, operatives of the Delta State Police Command launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the suspect. Oghenegare is currently being detained at the state police headquarters in Asaba, where detectives are continuing their inquiries.
Edafe said investigators are working to establish the full sequence of events, including the exact circumstances surrounding the transaction and the level of intent involved.
“The suspect is in custody, and the case is under active investigation,” he said, adding that the suspect would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
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As part of the investigation, police obtained a video statement from the suspect, in which he admitted knowing the deceased personally and described him as a childhood friend.
In the video, the suspect alleged that the victim had “logged” him out of the transaction process, a development he claimed triggered the confrontation. Police, however, emphasized that all claims made by the suspect are being independently verified.
Authorities have not disclosed whether additional suspects may be involved or whether proceeds from the alleged fraud have been recovered.
Reacting to the incident, Edafe expressed concern over what he described as an increasing number of homicide cases across the state, many of which stem from avoidable disputes.
He attributed the trend to a combination of hot temper, drug abuse, and involvement in criminal activities, noting that minor disagreements are increasingly ending in fatal outcomes.
“It is disturbing that disagreements which could be resolved peacefully are resulting in loss of lives,” Edafe said. “We urge residents, especially young people, to shun crime and seek lawful means of livelihood.”
Internet fraud remains a persistent challenge for law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, particularly in southern states where cybercrime-related arrests are frequently reported. Security officials have repeatedly warned that disputes over illicit proceeds often lead to internal conflicts among perpetrators.
Police sources say such cases underscore the dangers associated with cybercrime, not only for victims but also for those involved in the illegal activity itself.
In recent years, Nigerian authorities have stepped up efforts to curb cybercrime through arrests, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with international partners.
The Delta State Police Command said the suspect will be formally charged once investigations are completed and the case file is forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
