The Delta State Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend a suspect allegedly linked to the death of a PalmPay agent, Justin Azubike Owefu, popularly known as “Biggie,” in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Council of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed yesterday that the suspect had yet to be arrested but said operatives were actively searching for him, assuring that the police would continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Owefu’s death and ensure that justice was served.

Owefu, who was reportedly in his 30s, was described by relatives and associates as an industrious and resourceful young man.

He hailed maternally from Obiaruku in Ukwuani Local Council and paternally from Aragba-Orogun in Ughelli North Local Council, both in Delta State.

He was a graduate of Delta State University, Abraka, married, and a father of a 10-year-old daughter. Until his death, he worked as a PalmPay agent covering Obiaruku, Abraka and Warri.

According to accounts by his relatives and associates, the incident that led to his death was allegedly connected to a phone-financing arrangement operated through PalmPay, under which customers could obtain mobile phones and repay the cost in instalments.

The Guardian learnt that the arrangement reportedly allows financed phones to be remotely restricted when customers default on agreed payments.

Owefu was said to have facilitated the purchase of a phone valued at about N185,000 by a customer, Moses Okitikpi of Abraka.

Okitikpi reportedly paid an initial deposit of N30,000 and agreed to repay the balance at N11,000 weekly.

However, the customer allegedly defaulted on the repayment schedule for several weeks, resulting in the phone being remotely restricted.

Although Okitikpi reportedly made some subsequent payments, the disagreement allegedly continued over his demand that the device be immediately unlocked.

His guarantor, identified as Onome Okitikpi, reportedly his nephew and a PoS operator around NUT Junction, Abraka, was also said to have become involved in the dispute.

The situation allegedly took a tragic turn on September 10, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m., when Biggie was reportedly confronted by Moses and Onome while travelling along the road with his wife and daughter.

According to the account, the two men demanded that he immediately unlock the financed phone.

Biggie was said to have explained that the unlocking process was procedural and could not be carried out immediately, adding that it could take up to three days.

The disagreement allegedly escalated, with the men reportedly taking his mobile phone and other personal belongings by force.

It was further alleged that when Biggie attempted to retrieve his property, he was pushed and fell, hitting his head on the tarred road.

He reportedly sustained a serious head injury and later developed internal complications.

According to the account, he remained in a coma for three days, while doctors recommended emergency surgery reportedly estimated at about N10 million.

He died on September 13, three days after the alleged incident.

The matter was said to have been reported at the Abraka Police Station on September 11, prompting the deceased’s family and associates to call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The family has also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, to ensure that the investigation is concluded and that anyone found to have committed an offence is prosecuted in accordance with the law.