Osun Landlord Arrested for Forcing Tenant to Drink Poison Over Alleged Maize Theft

A shocking case of vigilante justice in Osun State, Nigeria, has left one man hospitalized and another dead from shock.

On August 7, 2025, a viral video emerged showing Chief Ajibade Gbenga, a landlord, forcing his 25-year-old tenant, identified only as Ebenezer, to drink a poisonous substance after accusing him of stealing maize from his farm. In the footage, Ebenezer is seen pleading for mercy before being compelled to ingest the poison.

According to police reports, Ebenezer was rushed to Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa, where doctors were able to neutralize the poison, saving his life. However, false news of his death reached his father, who collapsed and died from the shock.

The Osun State Police Command, through spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest of Chief Gbenga and stated that investigations are ongoing.

The incident has sparked public outrage, with human rights advocates condemning the act as a gross violation of due process and an example of the dangers of vigilante justice. It has also reignited calls for better community education on conflict resolution, particularly in rural areas where such extrajudicial actions are more common.

Beyond the assault itself, the tragedy underscores the severe emotional toll of misinformation, which in this case claimed an innocent life.

Watch the video below