Benin City tenant allegedly assaults landlord over rent hike

A tenant in Benin City, Edo State, has allegedly assaulted his landlord following a dispute regarding a significant rent increase. The disagreement reportedly began after the tenant performed renovation work, including tiling the floors, using his own funds to accommodate his business.

According to reports and social media footage, the landlord allegedly demanded additional payment for these improvements and increased the annual rent from ₦300,000 to ₦1 million. During a heated confrontation, the tenant claimed the landlord slapped him, prompting a retaliatory strike that resulted in serious head injuries to the landlord.

Footage circulating online shows the tenant being questioned at a police station. The tenant stated he did not believe it was necessary to seek permission for the renovations as he was a paying tenant. It remains unconfirmed whether formal charges have been filed or what specific legal actions the police will take.