IBB University student dies after alleged loss of house rent to gambling

By Iyojo Ameh

A 300-level student of the Department of Computer Science at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State, has died under circumstances that authorities say are being investigated, following reports that he lost a large sum of money to gambling.

The deceased, identified as Kelvin Danlami, was found dead in his off-campus residence in Lapai in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026.

Sources within the university community said the student allegedly lost about ₦600,000, said to be house rent money entrusted to him, through betting activities.

A neighbour reportedly discovered the student in his room and raised an alarm, prompting efforts to rush him to the General Hospital in Lapai, where he was confirmed dead.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the police received information at about 10:30 a.m. on January 19.

He said police operatives from the Lapai Division visited the scene, carried out preliminary investigations and contacted the family of the deceased.

“Further investigation is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Abiodun added.
A student of the institution, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said the incident had thrown the university community into mourning.

“It is true that one of our fellow students died after mismanaging money given to him for house rent, allegedly due to gambling,” the student said.
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the university also confirmed the incident.

Its General Secretary, Aliyu Abubakar, described the death as tragic and urged students to seek help when facing financial or emotional difficulties.

The incident has renewed concerns over the growing influence of gambling among young people and students, amid worsening economic pressures and limited access to counselling and mental health support on campuses across the country.