The Delta State Police Command has arrested Efe Onoetiyi, a 30-year-old man, for allegedly killing his close friend, Paulinus Okon, after collecting N30 million meant for a property purchase.
State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed that instead of buying the house as agreed, Efe diverted the money for personal use, acquiring two plots of land and constructing a duplex. He reportedly decided to kill Paulinus to avoid confronting him about the misappropriated funds.
How the Incident Unfolded
- The Crime: On September 8, 2024, Efe lured Paulinus to the Orere River in Otokutu. With the assistance of three others—Okeimute Gaga (48), Sunday Ikpeba, and a herbalist identified as Lawrence Joseph—they tied Paulinus to a stake and killed him. His body was disposed of in the river, while the herbalist buried his head in a shrine.
- Investigation and Arrests: Following Paulinus’s disappearance, his family reported him missing. Efe initially denied involvement but later attempted to extort money from the family under the pretense of consulting a herbalist to locate Paulinus.
- Breakthrough: After a detailed investigation led by the Ekpan DPO, police uncovered Efe’s role in the crime. A raid on the herbalist’s shrine in Otokutu resulted in the recovery of Paulinus’s remains.
Police Action
The police commissioner confirmed that Efe and his accomplices are in custody and will face prosecution. He praised the Ekpan DPO for the intelligence-driven investigation that unraveled the case.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the Delta community, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and efforts to address violent crimes.
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