A tenant named Musa Alhassan allegedly became embroiled in a physical altercation with his landlord, Samson Bako, over unpaid rent in the Pegi community of Kuje Area Council, FCT.
Local resident Ishaku Ayuba reported that the incident occurred last Thursday around 9:33 pm, when the landlord secured the tenant’s room due to his failure to pay rent.
Alhassan, a commercial driver who has rented a single bedroom in the area, has reportedly owed Bako a year’s worth of rent.
Ayuba noted that one of the landlord’s sons, responsible for collecting rent, had approached Alhassan multiple times to demand payment, but the tenant had consistently refused.
“The tenant is a commercial driver who has lived in that compound for three years. Since last year, when his rent expired, he has avoided paying the landlord,” Ayuba explained.
The situation escalated when Alhassan insulted the landlord’s son, prompting Bako to react angrily. While Alhassan was at work, Bako locked up his room with a new padlock.
Upon returning home on Thursday night and finding his room secured, Alhassan inquired with other tenants, who informed him that it was the landlord who had locked his accommodation.
“Infuriated, the tenant approached the landlord’s son and attempted to strike him. This confrontation attracted the landlord, leading to a fierce argument and Alhassan assaulting Bako,” Ayuba recounted. Shortly after the incident, local vigilantes were alerted and intervened, ultimately escorting the tenant away.
Joshua, a member of the vigilante group, confirmed the events, stating that the tenant had been handed over to local security personnel.
Attempts to contact SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT police command, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or text messages regarding the incident as at the time of this report.
