Tragic Betrayal: Man Kills Close Friend Over ₦30 Million In Delta State

A chilling story has unfolded in Delta State as the police arrested a man, Efe Onoetiyi, along with three accomplices, in connection with the gruesome murder of his friend, Paulinus Okon, over a ₦30 million deal.

The Disappearance and Ransom Scheme

On September 8, 2024, Paulinus Okon was reported missing by his brother after going out with his friend, Efe. Initially, Efe denied any involvement in Paulinus’s disappearance. However, his actions raised suspicion when he later visited Paulinus’s family, demanding ₦500,000, claiming it would be used to consult a herbalist to locate the missing man.

Efe further deceived the family by claiming Paulinus had been kidnapped. He collected a ransom of approximately ₦20.7 million, pretending to negotiate with the supposed kidnappers.

The Investigation Unravels the Truth

When Efe’s lies became evident, he was arrested, and the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba. The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Abaniwonda Olufemi, ordered a thorough investigation. This led the police to another suspect, Okeimute Gaga, whose confession revealed the horrifying events.

The Gruesome Murder

Okeimute admitted that on the night of September 8, 2024, Efe, alongside Sunday Ikpeba and a herbalist named Lawrence Joseph, brought Paulinus to Orere River in Otokutu. Paulinus was tied to a stake and beheaded while still alive. His body was discarded into the river, while the herbalist buried his head in a shrine.

Further investigation led the police to the shrine in Otokutu, where Paulinus’s skull was exhumed.

Motive for the Crime

Efe confessed that the motive for the murder stemmed from financial fraud. He had convinced Paulinus to invest ₦30 million in a property deal, but instead of purchasing the house, Efe diverted the funds to buy two plots of land and build a duplex. Unable to repay the money, Efe resorted to killing Paulinus to avoid confrontation.

Justice in Progress

All four suspects, including Efe, are currently in police custody, awaiting prosecution. The Delta State Police Command has assured the public of a thorough investigation and justice for Paulinus’s tragic death.