IBBUL 300-Level student dies amid alleged betting losses, rent dispute

By Johnson Arua

A 300-level Computer Science student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), identified simply as Kelvin, has reportedly died after facing severe financial difficulties linked to betting, accommodation costs, and unpaid obligations.

A former roommate, who requested anonymity disclosed on Tuesday that he lived with Kelvin during their first year at the university in 2024 before Kelvin decided to move out to live alone.

Although they no longer shared accommodation, the two reportedly remained in contact and occasionally met on campus.

According to the former roommate, Kelvin had previously sought assistance due to the high cost and difficulty of securing accommodation in Lapai.

The source said he was in Minna when he received news of Kelvin’s death and struggled to believe the reports.

Information gathered from students residing at Kelvin’s off-campus residence, known as “Justice Lodge” in the Student Villa area of Lapai, indicated that the landlord had appointed Kelvin as the caretaker of the facility.

In that role, Kelvin was reportedly responsible for collecting rent from occupants on behalf of the landlord.

Sources alleged that Kelvin misused some of the funds collected, reportedly staking the money on betting platforms. Although the exact amount involved could not be confirmed, students claimed the losses placed him under intense pressure.

Further accounts from campus sources revealed that Kelvin had attempted to make partial repayments shortly before his death. He was said to have transferred N100,000 to the landlord, explaining that technical issues with a virtual bank had delayed the transfer of the remaining balance.

At the time, he was reportedly in possession of about N570,000 before making the transfer.

Students familiar with the situation said Kelvin’s challenges extended beyond betting losses and rent remittance issues.

He was also allegedly indebted to several students from whom he had collected money with promises to help secure accommodation, acting as an informal housing agent while pursuing his studies.

As of press time, the management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, had not released an official statement on the incident.

The University’s Chief Security Officer, Abdulkadir Yerima could not be reached same for the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun.