The Delta State Police Command has detained a 30-year-old man accused of kidnapping and murdering his friend as part of a scheme to extort money from her family.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, revealed that the investigation began in September after the victim’s brother reported her disappearance. He alleged that his friend might have been responsible for her death.
Following reports that the victim was missing, the police intensified their investigation to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
Suspect Extorts Over ₦20 Million from Victim’s Family
Commissioner Abaniwonda disclosed that the suspect initially denied any involvement in the case. However, police inquiries revealed that the suspect had been with the victim, Paulinus Okon, on the day of her disappearance.
The suspect allegedly requested ₦500,000 from the victim’s brother, claiming he needed the money to hire a spiritualist (babalawo) to locate her. Later, he falsely informed the family that kidnappers had contacted him and demanded a ransom. Under this pretense, he collected ₦20.7 million from them.
The suspicious behavior eventually prompted the suspect’s own family to alert the authorities.
Investigation Exposes Grisly Crime
A brief police investigation uncovered that a 58-year-old accomplice was involved in the crime. This second suspect confessed that the victim’s friend had taken her to the Orere River in Otokutu, where she was killed.
The accomplice revealed that on the night of September 8, 2024, the victim was beheaded, and her body was dumped into the river. Her severed head was then buried in a shrine as part of a ritualistic act.
Fraudulent Property Sale Linked to the Murder
Commissioner Abaniwonda further explained that the primary suspect had convinced the victim to pay ₦30 million for a property he claimed was for sale. Instead of purchasing the house, the suspect misappropriated the funds for personal use. To cover up his crime and avoid exposure, he orchestrated the murder, claiming it was necessary to ensure secrecy.
The police have intensified efforts to ensure justice is served and to bring all individuals involved in this heinous act to account.
