Three weeks after death, relatives call for thorough investigation into circumstances surrounding Biggie’s death
ABRAKA, DELTA STATE — The family of Justin Azubuike Ewofobe, popularly known as “Biggie,” has appealed for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, three weeks after the PalmPay agent died following an alleged confrontation over a phone financing dispute in Abraka.
Biggie, a graduate of Delta State University, Abraka, reportedly sustained a serious head injury during the incident on September 10, 2026, and died three days later, on September 13.
According to accounts provided by his relatives and associates, the dispute involved a N185,000 phone allegedly obtained by a man identified as Moses Okitikpi through Biggie’s phone financing arrangement.
The family said Okitikpi initially paid N30,000 and agreed to make weekly payments of N11,000. Following several missed payments, the device was reportedly remotely restricted.
Although some subsequent payments were allegedly made, the family said Okitikpi continued demanding that the phone be unlocked immediately.
The dispute allegedly involved Okitikpi’s guarantor, identified as Onome Okitikpi, who is said to operate a POS business around NUT Junction in Abraka.
The family alleged that at about 8:30pm on September 10, Biggie was travelling with his wife and 10-year-old daughter when the two men allegedly confronted him over the phone.
According to the family’s account, Biggie explained that the unlocking process could not be completed immediately and could take up to three days.
The disagreement allegedly escalated, with the family claiming that Biggie’s phone and other personal belongings were taken during the confrontation.
The family further alleged that Biggie attempted to retrieve his belongings but was pushed, causing him to fall and hit his head on the tarred road.
He was subsequently taken for medical treatment after reportedly sustaining a severe head injury. His condition allegedly deteriorated, and he reportedly spent three days in a coma while his family sought medical assistance.
The family said doctors recommended emergency surgery estimated to cost about N10 million, but Biggie eventually died on September 13.
His death has left behind his wife, a 10-year-old daughter and other relatives.
The matter was reportedly reported at the Abraka Police Station on September 11, but the family said they remain concerned that no arrest has been made.
They are now calling on the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, to intervene and ensure that the circumstances surrounding Biggie’s death are fully investigated.
The family stressed that its demand is not for anyone to be convicted without due process, but for the allegations to be investigated, evidence properly examined and anyone found culpable to face the law.
The circumstances surrounding the reported confrontation, the cause of Biggie’s fatal injuries and the actions of those allegedly involved remain matters for the police investigation to establish.
For his family, the central demand is for answers and accountability over the death of a young father who, according to relatives, was working to support his family through his PalmPay agency and phone financing business.
IBN News could not independently verify all the allegations made by the family and associates. The individuals named in the account should be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
