The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Efe Money, the Chief Priest of Otokutu Community, and seven others in connection with the gruesome murder of Paulinus, also known as Easy Boutique, in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The arrests, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpan Division, CSP Aliyu Shaba, revealed shocking details of the crime. Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe confirmed the arrests via a statement shared with journalists on Sunday.
The victim, Paulinus, was allegedly lured by his best friend, Efe Money, to a shrine operated by the Chief Priest, where he was beheaded. Investigations revealed that Efe Money orchestrated the murder, contracting Gavin Agbaja for ₦1.5 million. After receiving an initial payment of ₦450,000, Agbaja withdrew from the plan. However, other accomplices, including Sunday Ikpeba and Okiemute, carried out the horrific act.
The Police recovered the victim’s head buried at the Chief Priest’s shrine, while his body was later discovered floating in a river. Further investigation revealed that the suspects tied blocks to the body to ensure it sank after removing vital organs.
The suspects reportedly collected over ₦20 million in ransom from Paulinus’ family after the murder. They abandoned the victim’s car along Otu-Jeremi Road to mislead authorities into believing it was a kidnapping case.
Efe Money, now in custody, has allegedly threatened human rights activist Israel Joe for sharing his photographs on social media. Joe, alongside Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Human Rights Affairs, Kelvin Ejumudo, has called for justice.
“This act is tragic and inhuman,” Ejumudo wrote on Facebook. “The suspects must face the wrath of the law. There’s no peace for the wicked.”
Commending the Delta Police Command, Ejumudo applauded their efforts in unraveling the case and bringing the suspects to justice.
As investigations continue, the public awaits a decisive legal response to ensure those responsible for this heinous crime are held accountable.
