By Ayodele Popoola

A 28-year old man, John Wada, has been remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre in Akure by an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly stabbing a farmer, Ojobo Ekene, to death during a disagreement over unpaid wages.

The tragic incident occurred on April 27, 2025, at Agunla Camp via Ogbese in Ondo State, when the deceased reportedly confronted the suspect over incomplete farm work and demanded a refund.

Narrating the incident, the victim’s wife told the court that Wada visited their residence early in the morning.

According to her, an argument broke out when her husband asked for part of the money he had paid Wada to be returned, having failed to complete the farming task assigned to him.

“I woke up to find them arguing over money. I immediately called our neighbour, Friday, who came in to intervene. After a few minutes, Wada returned with a knife and suddenly stabbed my husband in the back, which led to his death,” she recounted tearfully.

Wada was later arrested and brought before the court on a count of murder.

Police prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, informed the court that the defendant committed the offence around 12 noon on the said date, adding that the stabbing followed a dispute over payment for uncompleted labour.

The charge sheet reads: “That you, John Wada Lawal , on April 27, 2025, at about 12 noon, at Agunla Camp via Ogbese, in the Ondo State Magisterial District, did unlawfully stab one Ojobo Ekene ‘M’, adult, with a knife on his back, which resulted in his death.”

The prosecutor stated that the offence contravened Sections 316, 319, and 324 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.

Wada’s plea was not taken, as the prosecutor prayed the court to remand the defendant pending  advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP.

In her ruling Magistrate O. Omotosho granted the request and ordered that the case file be forwarded to the DPP for  advice.

She also directed that the defendant be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre in Akure,  adjourned the matter till June 6, 2025, for mention.