Police Arrest Police Arrest Efe Onoetiyi for Allegedly Beheading Friend Over N30 Million in Delta State for Allegedly Beheading Friend Over N30 Million in Delta State

The Delta State Police Command has arrested Efe Onoetiyi for allegedly beheading his friend, Paulinus Okon, after diverting N30 million meant for a property purchase. Onoetiyi, along with three accomplices, is accused of orchestrating the gruesome murder to cover up the fraudulent act.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, paraded the suspects on Monday, revealing chilling details of the crime. The other individuals implicated in the case are Okeimute Gaga, Lawrence Joseph, and Sunday Ikpeba.

The Fraudulent Scheme That Led to Murder of Paulinus by Onoetiyi

According to the police, Paulinus Okon entrusted Efe Onoetiyi with N30 million to purchase a house on his behalf. The sum was paid in three installments, with Okon believing the transaction was legitimate. However, instead of acquiring the property, Onoetiyi diverted the funds for personal use.

The suspect reportedly used the money to buy a plot of land and a car and started building a duplex for himself. When Okon’s family began questioning Efe Onoetiyi about their missing relative, he denied having any recent contact with him. The suspect even demanded N500,000 from Okon’s family to consult a herbalist, claiming it would help locate the missing man.

The Murder and Cover-Up by Efe Onoetiyi

Commissioner Olufemi disclosed that Efe Onoetiyi and his accomplices carried out the heinous act at Orere River in Otokutu. On September 8, 2024, the suspects tied Okon to a stake near the river before beheading him. Okeimute Gaga, one of the accomplices, confessed that Efe Onoetiyi masterminded the murder and instructed them to kill Okon.

After the act, the suspects threw Okon’s body into the river, while Lawrence Joseph, a 30-year-old herbalist, buried the severed head at his shrine in Otokutu. Onoetiyi later fabricated a story about Okon being kidnapped and demanded a fictitious N20 million ransom from the family, further attempting to cover up his involvement.

Police Investigation and Confession

The investigation into Okon’s disappearance led to Onoetiyi’s arrest, where he confessed to the crime during interrogation. Commissioner Olufemi revealed that Efe Onoetiyi admitted to killing his friend after realizing he could not replace the misappropriated N30 million.

In his confession, Efe Onoetiyi stated, “I advertised a building for N30 million, and Paulinus paid in three installments. But instead of buying the house, I used the money for personal purposes, including acquiring land and starting a duplex.” The police recovered incriminating evidence from the suspects, further solidifying the case against them.

Public Vigilance and the Importance of Proper Upbringing

CP Olufemi took the opportunity to warn the public about the dangers of trusting friends blindly, especially during the festive season when such crimes could be more prevalent. He lamented the fact that parents no longer seem to take the upbringing of their children seriously, particularly in raising boys with good moral values. According to Olufemi, this failure in proper guidance could be contributing to an increasing number of crimes, like the one committed by Onoetiyi.

The police commissioner urged parents and the public to be vigilant about the people their children associate with, stressing that the involvement of friends in such heinous acts can have devastating consequences. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trust, integrity, and accountability in relationships, as well as the critical role of parents and communities in shaping the behavior of young individuals.

Public Outrage and Reactions to the Heinous Crime

The murder of Paulinus Okon has sparked outrage and widespread condemnation, especially on social media, where many expressed their disbelief and anger over the betrayal by someone so close to the victim. Social media users, including Osagie Iyoha and Kmd, criticized the cold-blooded nature of the crime and called for swift justice. Comments highlighted the tragic irony of Paulinus’ death, especially after he trusted Onoetiyi with such a large sum of money, only for his life to be tragically cut short by the very person he considered a friend.

The crime has also brought attention to the need for greater vigilance among individuals, especially when it comes to trusting friends with financial matters. As one commenter, Big Oj Be, noted, “Trust no friend, especially when you are doing well. Always pray for God to bless your friends as He blesses you.” The public’s reaction underscores the deep sense of betrayal felt by those who believe that this tragedy could have been prevented if Paulinus had been more cautious about the people he trusted.

The arrest of Efe Onoetiyi and his accomplices brings some justice to Paulinus Okon’s family, but it also serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of misplaced trust. The Delta State Police Command, under CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has assured the public that all involved in the crime will face the full wrath of the law.
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