The Delta State Police Command has apprehended four suspects, including a herbalist, in connection with the gruesome murder of Paulinus Okon, who was beheaded on September 8, 2024, in the Otokutu area of Delta State.
Paulinus was initially declared missing before his body was discovered in a river, while his head was buried at a shrine belonging to one of the suspects, a 30-year-old herbalist named Lawrence Joseph.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed during a press briefing that the suspects, identified as Okeimute Gaga, Efe Onoitiyi, Sunday Ikpeba, and Lawrence Joseph, conspired to kill Paulinus over a N30 million business dispute.
According to the police, Efe Onoitiyi, a close friend of the victim, lured Paulinus to Orere River, where he and the other suspects tied him to a stake and beheaded him. The body was dumped in the river, while the herbalist buried the severed head in his shrine.
Efe, who initially denied any involvement, later attempted to extort N500,000 from Paulinus’ family, claiming he would use it to consult a herbalist to locate the missing man. He further collected over N20 million as ransom, falsely claiming that Paulinus had been kidnapped.
During interrogation, Efe admitted to using the N30 million intended for a property purchase to fund personal projects, including acquiring land and constructing a duplex. Fearing retribution, he orchestrated the murder to cover up his actions.
The suspects are in custody, and the police have exhumed Paulinus’ skull from the shrine as evidence. The investigation continues.
