In a chilling case that has shocked residents of Delta State, the Police Command has arrested Mr. Efe Onoetiyi, a 30-year-old man accused of murdering his best friend, Paulinus Okon, after allegedly embezzling over N50 million he got from him.
Addressing journalists on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, described the incident as particularly tragic and outlined the gruesome details of the crime during a press briefing held in Asaba.
Alongside Efe Onoetiyi, four other suspects connected to the heinous act were also paraded.
“This briefing involves a deeply painful case—the brutal murder of Paulinus Okon by his trusted friend, Efe Onoetiyi,” CP Olufemi began.
“Paulinus was reported missing on September 8, 2024, by his brother after he left home in the company of Efe Onoetiyi. Initially, Efe denied any knowledge of his friend’s whereabouts and even visited Paulinus’s family to feign concern.”
Efe reportedly tried to manipulate the family further by demanding N500,000 to “consult a herbalist” who could allegedly reveal Paulinus’ location.
According to CP Olufemi, Efe later fabricated a story about Paulinus being kidnapped and collected a ransom of N20,715,000 from the victim’s family under the pretence of negotiating with the supposed kidnappers.
When suspicions arose about Efe’s inconsistent narratives, the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba.
However, his evasive behaviour persisted until November 28, 2024, when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpan, acting on CP Olufemi’s directive, launched a discreet and intelligence-led investigation.
The breakthrough came with the arrest of one Okeimute Gaga, a 48-year-old man implicated in the crime. Under interrogation, Okeimute confessed to his involvement and provided a harrowing account of the events leading to Paulinus’s murder.
According to Okeimute, Efe orchestrated the killing, taking Paulinus to the Orere River in Otokutu on the night of September 8, 2024.
Okeimute revealed that Efe, along with Sunday Ikpeba and a 30-year-old herbalist named Lawrence Joseph, tied Paulinus to a stake near the river. In a horrifying turn of events, they beheaded him.
The confession marked a significant turning point in the investigation, shedding light on the extent of the betrayal and the motives behind the crime.
CP Olufemi emphasised the role of greed and deceit in the case, noting that Efe’s actions stemmed from his desire to control the N50 million he had siphoned from his late friend.
The Commissioner assured the public that justice would be served.
“This Command remains committed to ensuring that every individual involved in this gruesome act is held accountable. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased during this difficult time,” he stated.
The suspects, including Efe and his co-conspirators, are now in custody, and efforts are ongoing to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the devastating consequences of misplaced trust.
As the investigation continues, the people of Delta State are left grappling with the shock of such a heinous betrayal within their midst.
Paulinus Okon, once a trusted friend and family member, became the victim of a calculated and brutal plot, a tragedy that underscores the need for justice and healing in the community.
