A suspect in the gruesome murder of Paulinus Okon over a ₦30 million business deal in Delta State has reportedly died in custody.
Okeimute Gaga, one of the four suspects arrested in connection with the September 8, 2024, beheading of Paulinus, was found dead on Tuesday morning. However, the Delta State Police Command has denied that his death occurred in police detention.
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Details of the Incident
Paulinus Okon was declared missing in September 2024 and later found to have been murdered and beheaded near the Orere River in Otokutu, Delta State.
The suspects, including Okeimute Gaga, Efe Onoitiyi, Sunday Ikpeba, and a herbalist named Lawrence Joseph, were arrested following an investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
According to police reports, Paulinus was tied to a stake and beheaded by the suspects. His body was dumped in the river, while his head was buried at the herbalist’s shrine. The gruesome act was allegedly carried out by his close friend, Efe Onoitiyi, who had diverted ₦30 million meant for a property deal for personal use.
Efe reportedly confessed that he decided to kill Paulinus to cover up his fraudulent actions.
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Police Statement on the Suspect’s Death
The Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, confirmed Okeimute Gaga’s death but denied claims that he died in police detention.
“Okeimute Gaga, one of the suspected killers of Paulinus Okon, has died. However, he did not die in police detention,” Edafe told SaharaReporters on Friday.
The incident has sparked outrage and demands for transparency in the handling of the case. Many are questioning the circumstances surrounding Okeimute’s death, calling for an independent investigation to ensure justice for Paulinus Okon and accountability in law enforcement practices.
The Delta State Police Command continues its investigation into the case while urging the public to remain calm.
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