Police in Delta State have arrested four individuals in connection with the gruesome murder of Paulinus Okon, who was reportedly beheaded over a N30 million business transaction.
The incident occurred on September 8, 2024, in the Otokata area of the state.
According to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olafemi Abaniwonda, the suspects include Okeimute Gaga (48), Efe Onoitigi (30), Sunday Ikpeba, and a 30-year-old herbalist named Lawrence Joseph.
Investigations revealed that Paulinas had been declared missing after last being seen with his friend, Efe Onoitigi.
It was later discovered that Efe conspired with the other suspects to murder Paulinus. The victim was tied to a stake near the Orere River in Otokata, where he was beheaded.
His body was thrown into the river, and his head was taken by the herbalist, who buried it at his shrine.
CP Abaniwonda disclosed that Efe initially denied knowledge of Paulinus’ disappearance but later attempted to extort money from the victim’s family under the pretence of locating him.
Efe falsely claimed that Paulinus had been kidnapped and collected over N20.7 million as ransom.
Upon his arrest, Efe confessed to orchestrating the murder. He admitted that he had misappropriated the N30 million Paulinus had entrusted to him for a property purchase.
Instead of securing the property, Efe used the money for personal projects, including acquiring two plots of land and constructing a duplex. Fearing repercussions from Paulinus, Efe decided to eliminate him.
Okeimate Gaga, another suspect, also confessed to his involvement, detailing how they carried out the killing with the help of the herbalist and Sunday Ikpeba.
Police operatives later exhumed Paulinus’ skull from the herbalist’s shrine during their investigation.
All four suspects are in custody and are expected to face legal prosecution.