Tenant Allegedly Smashes Landlord’s Head in Edo Over Rent Increase from ₦300,000 to ₦1 Million

Tenant Allegedly Smashes Landlord’s Head in Edo Over Rent Increase from ₦300,000 to ₦1 Million

A disagreement between a landlord and his tenant has reportedly turned violent in Benin City, Edo State, leaving the landlord with serious head injuries after the tenant allegedly attacked him over a rent dispute.

The incident came to public attention on Friday, October 30, 2026, after a video showing the tenant narrating what led to the confrontation circulated on social media.

According to the tenant, the disagreement started after he carried out renovation work, including tiling the apartment, using his personal funds to improve the property for his business.

He alleged that the landlord demanded additional payment for the renovation and subsequently increased his annual rent from ₦300,000 to ₦1 million.

The tenant further claimed that the confrontation became physical after the landlord allegedly slapped him, prompting him to hit the landlord on the head.

Recounting the incident, he said: “He slapped me first and out of my defence, I smashed his head. It wasn’t intentional.”

The confrontation reportedly left the landlord with serious head injuries. However, details about his current condition and whether the police have intervened were not immediately available.

The tenant’s account has not been independently verified, and the landlord’s version of events is yet to be established.

The incident has sparked discussions about rising rents, renovation costs and disputes between landlords and tenants, with renewed calls for such disagreements to be resolved through lawful means rather than violence.

Tenant Allegedly Smashes Landlord’s Head in Edo Over Rent Increase from ₦300,000 to ₦1 Million