Lagos — Nigerian, Emeka Ani, has allegedly stabbed his compatriot to death at Durban in South Africa over 10 rand (N150) gambling fee dispute.

A Durban police source confirmed the death of the Nigerian, simply called Joe, to the Southern Africa correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview yesterday.

The source said Ani had been arrested and was now in hospital following injuries he sustained during the fight.

Investigation revealed that Joe rented gambling cards from Ani at the cost of N150.

It said the quarrel ensued between the two when Ani asked for the money on the rented cards.

The quarrel degenerated into a fight in which knife and broken bottles were used leading to the stabbing of the deceased.

Contacted, officials at the Nigeria Consulate denied any knowledge of the incident but promised to get in touch with the Nigeria Union's officials in Durban.

The national publicity secretary of the Nigeria Union in Johannesburg, Mr Oliver-Khan Chijoke, confirmed the incident.

"The union has been notified of the death and arrest and would meet on the issue at the weekend," he said.