Delta State Police Command has apprehended four suspects, including a man accused of masterminding the murder of his close friend over a ₦30 million transaction.
The suspects are currently in custody, with the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, confirming their involvement in a crime that also involved extorting over ₦20 million from the victim’s family.
The shocking case centers around the gruesome killing of Paulinus Okon, whose decomposed skull was recovered at a shrine in Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, CP Abaniwonda revealed that the primary suspect, Efe Onoitiyi, 30, betrayed his close friend Paulinus, leading to his brutal murder on September 8, 2024.
Paulinus was reported missing by his brother after leaving home with Efe that day.
Initially, Efe denied knowledge of Paulinus’s disappearance and even visited the victim’s family, feigning concern.
He later demanded ₦500,000 from the family, claiming he needed the money to pay a herbalist to locate Paulinus.
Efe escalated his deception by alleging that Paulinus had been kidnapped, collecting a ransom of over ₦20 million from the family under the pretense of negotiating with the supposed kidnappers.
When Efe’s behavior raised suspicions, he was arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba.
However, further investigation led to the arrest of Okeimute Gaga, 48, who confessed to the murder and provided chilling details of the crime.
According to Gaga, Efe orchestrated the killing, luring Paulinus to Orere River in Otokutu, where he, Gaga, a herbalist named Lawrence Joseph, and another accomplice, Sunday Ikpeba, tied Paulinus to a stake and beheaded him.
His body was disposed of in the river, while his head was buried at a shrine by the herbalist.
Police operatives subsequently recovered Paulinus’s skull from the shrine.
During interrogation, Efe admitted that he killed Paulinus to cover up his fraudulent activities. He disclosed that Paulinus had entrusted him with ₦30 million to purchase a property.
Instead of fulfilling the deal, Efe diverted the funds to buy land and begin constructing a duplex for himself.
Unable to explain the misappropriation of funds, Efe resorted to killing his friend to avoid accountability.
CP Abaniwonda assured that all four suspects remain in custody and will face the full weight of the law.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the extent of human betrayal and greed.
Further investigations are ongoing.