A 22-year-old Nigerian man, identified as Ofon Phillip Idiong, has been charged with the murder of his 22-year-old friend, Brian Njoku.

The deceased owed the suspect $40 (N15k) and had been attempting to make the payment through an online banking platform, but the money kept getting reversed into his account.

Reports indicate that on Monday, September 7, 2020, Ofon picked up Brian, and they went to a mutual friend’s house at 8811 Gustine Lane to watch a basketball match.

The suspect demanded his money, but Brian tried to explain the situation, leading to an argument. Ofon then produced a gun and shot him.

City of Houston News reported that Houston Police Department patrol officers responded to a shooting call at the scene and found Brian suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite administering first aid and quickly rushing him to Memorial Hermann Hospital, he was pronounced dead.

The suspect initially fled but later returned and was interviewed by Houston police detectives, subsequently being charged for his role in Njoku’s death.

Ofon

The Houston Police Department stated on its website, “Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a man at 8811 Gustine Lane that occurred about 10:30 p.m. on Monday (September 7). The suspect, Ofon Phillip Idiong (b/m, 22), is charged with murder in the 337th State District Court. A booking photo of Idiong is attached to this news release.

The victim, Brian Njoku, 22, was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The security guard stated that prior to the shooting Njoku and another man were overheard arguing in front of the apartment,” the statement read.

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