Delta Police Arrest Man for Killing Best Friend Over N50 Million Fraud
In a chilling twist, a 48-year-old man, Efe Onoetiyi, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for the brutal murder of his best friend, Paulinus Okon, after defrauding him of over N50 million. The arrest follows an intense investigation that uncovered a web of lies and betrayal between the two men.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, revealed the shocking details of the case during a press briefing on Monday. “This is a particularly painful case,” Olufemi began. “It involves the murder of one Paulinus Okon by his close friend, Efe Onoetiyi.”
Paulinus Okon was reported missing on September 8, 2024, by his brother after he went out with his friend Efe. However, Efe initially denied any involvement in the disappearance. He even visited the Okon family, pretending to be concerned about his friend’s whereabouts.
As the days passed, Efe’s behavior became increasingly suspicious. He demanded N500,000 from Paulinus’s brother, claiming it would be used to hire a herbalist to help locate Paulinus. A short time later, Efe claimed that Paulinus had been kidnapped and went on to collect a ransom of approximately N20.7 million, further deepening the mystery.
Suspicion surrounding Efe grew, and as the investigation intensified, police transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department. A breakthrough came when Okeimute Gaga, 48, was arrested after an intelligence-led probe. Gaga confessed to his role in the crime and revealed the horrifying details of the murder.
Gaga explained how Efe, along with him and two others—Sunday Ikpeba and herbalist Lawrence Joseph—lured Paulinus to the Orere River in Otokutu on the night of September 8, 2024. There, they tied him to a stake and beheaded him before dumping his body into the river. The herbalist then took the victim’s head and buried it at his shrine.
During interrogation, Efe explained his motives for the murder. According to Commissioner Olufemi, Efe revealed that he had convinced Paulinus to invest N30 million in a property deal. However, instead of purchasing the house as promised, Efe diverted the money for personal use, buying land and constructing a duplex for himself.
Fearing the consequences of his deception, Efe confessed that he saw no way to explain his actions to Paulinus. In a shocking act of betrayal, he decided that killing his friend would be the only way to avoid facing the truth.
All four suspects involved in the murder have been arrested and have confessed to their roles in the crime. The victim’s head, which was allegedly used in a sacrificial ritual to the gods of the community, was recovered from the herbalist’s shrine.
Commissioner Olufemi urged the public to remain vigilant, especially during the festive season, and warned about the importance of choosing friends wisely. He lamented that some parents are failing to properly raise their children, especially boys, who may fall prey to harmful influences.
The case serves as a tragic reminder of the lengths to which some individuals will go for personal gain. As investigations continue, the Delta State Police Command has vowed to bring all involved to justice. The community is left shaken by the brutal murder of a man who trusted his best friend, only to become the victim of a horrifying betrayal.