How Man Stole N30 Million From Friend, Murdered Him, and Extorted His Family in Delta State

A man identified as Efe Onoetiyi has been accused of orchestrating the murder of his friend, Paulinus Okon, to cover up the theft of N30 million in Delta State, Nigeria. The grim details of the case were disclosed by the Delta State Police Command during a parade of suspects at the police headquarters.

The police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, revealed that the incident occurred in Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area. According to Edafe, Onoetiyi had deceived Okon into entrusting him with N30 million to purchase a building. Instead of completing the transaction, Onoetiyi allegedly used the money to acquire his own property and two plots of land.

When confronted, Onoetiyi, unable to explain the situation to his friend, reportedly resorted to murder to conceal the crime.

Investigations revealed that Onoetiyi initially approached someone with an offer of N450,000 to carry out the killing, but the individual declined. He then enlisted the help of three others: Okeimute Gaga, Sunday Ikpeba, and a herbalist named Lawrence Joseph.

Police stated that Onoetiyi lured Okon to a supposed party, where the accomplices attacked him. Okon was tied to a stick, and while still alive, his attackers gruesomely decapitated him. His body was disposed of in Orere River, while his head was buried in the herbalist’s shrine.

During the parade, a decayed skull believed to belong to Okon was exhumed from the shrine. When questioned by the police, Onoetiyi struggled to provide a coherent explanation for his actions.

Shockingly, after the murder, Onoetiyi contacted Okon’s family and deceived them into believing that he had been kidnapped. He collected a ransom of N20.7 million from the family, adding another layer of betrayal to the tragic crime.

Superintendent Edafe used the opportunity to warn the public about the importance of being cautious in their associations. “Paulinus just died because he trusted a friend,” he said.

All suspects involved have been arrested and will face prosecution. The Delta State Police Command continues to urge Nigerians to remain vigilant in their relationships and dealings.