By Joelson Eboh
In a shocking development, the Delta State Police Command has apprehended four individuals in connection with the gruesome murder of Paulinus Okon, a 30-year-old man whose remains were discovered at a shrine in Otokutu.
The arrest and subsequent investigation, led by Commissioner of Police (CP) Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, were announced during a press briefing held today December 23, 2024 in Asaba.
The Commissioner detailed the tragic series of events that began on September 8, 2024, when Paulinus Okon was reported missing by his brother. Paulinus had last been seen with his close friend, Efe Onoitiyi, who initially denied knowledge of his whereabouts. In a bizarre twist, Efe later claimed that Paulinus had been kidnapped and demanded a ransom of #20,715,000 from the victim’s family with the pretense of negotiating his release.
Despite Efe’s deceptive tactics, suspicions grew, prompting his arrest and the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department at the State Headquarters in Asaba. However, as Efe refused to cooperate, CP Abaniwonda directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpan to take over the investigation
Through an intelligence-led operation, the investigation uncovered the involvement of three additional suspects: Okiemute Gaga, aged 48; Sunday Ikpeba, and a herbalist, Lawrence Joseph, aged 30. During interrogation, Okiemute confessed to his role in the crime, revealing chilling details of how Paulinus was lured to his death.
According to Okiemute, Efe had brought Paulinus to the Orere River in Otokutu on the night of September 8, where he, along with the other suspects, tied Paulinus to a stake, beheaded him alive, and discarded his body in the river.
The herbalist, Lawrence Joseph, reportedly took the victim’s head to his shrine, where it was buried.
Acting on this confession, police operatives led by DPO of Ekpan exhumed Paulinus’s skull from the shrine.
Efe later admitted that the motive for the murdered stemmed from a financial dispute. He disclosed that Paulinus had entrusted him with #30,000,000 for the purpose of a house. Instead of fulfilling the obligation, Efe diverted the funds to acquire two plots of land and begin construction of a duplex.
Realizing he could not repay the money or explain his actions, he orchestrated the murder of his friend.
The Commissioner of Police expressed deep sadness over the incident and assured the public of the Delta State Police Command’s commitment to justice.
“This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the unwavering resolve of the police to ensure that perpetrators of heinous crimes are held accountable,” CP Abaniwonda stated.
The four suspects remain in police custody and will face prosecution.
The Delta State Police Command urged members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly to assist law enforcement in preventing similar tragedies.
