Man Kills Friend Over N30m, Decomposed Skull Found in Shrine

The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including a mastermind who killed his friend, Paulinus Okon, after defrauding him of N30 million. The suspects also extorted over N20 million in ransom from the victim’s family before the crime came to light.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday. He revealed that the victim’s decomposed skull was recovered from a shrine in Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

“It involves the murder of one Paulinus Okon by his bosom friend, Efe Onoetiyi,” Abaniwonda stated. “Paulinus was reported missing on September 8, 2024, by his brother after he went out with Efe. The suspect initially denied knowing his whereabouts but later extorted the family under the guise of helping to locate him.”

According to the police, Efe convinced Paulinus to invest N30 million in a property, which he instead used for personal gain. Unable to explain his actions, Efe conspired with three accomplices to kill Paulinus.

“The suspect claimed he saw a building for sale at N30 million and collected the amount from Paulinus in three instalments. Instead of buying the house, he diverted the money to buy lands and begin constructing a duplex,” Abaniwonda said.

“When Efe realized he couldn’t explain to Paulinus how he had used the money, he decided to kill him to avoid confrontation,” the commissioner added.

The police narrated how Efe orchestrated the murder with the help of Okeimute Gaga (48), Sunday Ikpeba, and a herbalist, Lawrence Joseph.

“On the night of September 8, they tied Paulinus to a stake near Orere River, beheaded him, and threw his body into the river. The herbalist buried the head at his shrine in Otokutu,” the CP disclosed.

The police, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpan, exhumed the skull after an intelligence-led investigation.

The suspects are currently in custody, and the police have pledged to ensure justice is served.

“We commend the investigative team for their commitment to unraveling this gruesome crime. Let this serve as a warning to anyone planning such heinous acts,” CP Abaniwonda said.