A Nigerian man identified as Ofon Phillip Idiong has been arrested and charged for killing his 22-year-old friend, Brian Njoku.
The deceased, another Nigerian native, reportedly owed the suspect $40 (about N15K) and has been trying to pay him back via an online banking platform but the money kept reversing into his account.
According to the reports, Ofon Idiong picked up Brian and they went to a mutual friend’s house at 8811 Gustine Lane, to watch a basketball match together on Monday, September 7, 2020.
During this period, the suspect asked for his money but Brian tried to explain the situation. An argument ensued and Ofon brought out a gun and shot him.
According to a report by the City of Houston News, Houston Police Department patrol officers responded to a shooting call at the crime scene and found Brian suffering from gunshot wounds. They administered first aid and quickly rushed him to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect initially fled the scene but later reappeared and was interviewed by Houston police detectives. He was subsequently charged for his role in Njoku’s death.
The Houston Police Department wrote in a statement posted 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 security guard on duty said that prior to the shooting Njoku and another man were overheard arguing in front of the apartment.
