The Delta State Police Command has apprehended four suspects, including a herbalist, in connection with the alleged murder of Paulinus Okon, who went missing on September 8, 2024. The police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, revealed that Okon was last seen leaving with his friend, Efe Onoetiyi, but never returned home.

Initially, Onoetiyi denied any knowledge of Okon’s whereabouts, but later returned to Okon’s family with a claim that he could help find him. Onoetiyi asked for N500,000 to pay a herbalist who could supposedly locate the missing man. Subsequently, Onoetiyi falsely informed the family that Okon had been kidnapped, and collected a ransom of N20,715,000, claiming he was in touch with the kidnappers.

As the investigation progressed, suspicions grew, and Onoetiyi was arrested. The case was handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department, where intelligence led to the identification of Okiemute Gaga. Gaga, under interrogation, confessed that Onoetiyi had lured Okon to Orere River in Ughelli South Local Government Area, where they tied him to a stake, beheaded him, and disposed of his body in the river. The herbalist, Lawrence Joseph, was implicated for taking Okon’s head to his shrine, where it was buried.

During further questioning, Onoetiyi admitted that his motive for the murder was financial. He explained that he had convinced Okon to invest N30 million in a building that was allegedly for sale. However, instead of purchasing the property, Onoetiyi misappropriated the funds to buy land and build a duplex for himself. Fearing the consequences of being exposed, Onoetiyi decided to kill his friend to cover up his deception.

The police recovered Okon’s skull from the herbalist’s shrine in Otokutu, confirming the gruesome nature of the crime. The arrest and subsequent investigation have shed light on a chilling case of betrayal and murder, leaving the community in shock.