The investigation into the gruesome beheading of Paulinus Okon over a ₦30 million business deal in Delta State has taken a dramatic turn following the death of one of the suspects in police custody. Okeimute Gaga, one of four individuals arrested in connection with the heinous crime, was found dead on Tuesday morning under mysterious circumstances.
The Delta State Police Command had earlier apprehended Gaga, alongside Efe Onoitiyi, Sunday Ikpeba, and a 30-year-old herbalist, Lawrence Joseph, for their alleged roles in the killing. The murder, which shocked residents of the Otokutu area, came to light when Paulinus was reported missing on September 8, 2024. Investigations revealed that he had been brutally beheaded, his body dumped into a river, while his severed head was buried at a shrine.
During a press briefing in December, Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed horrifying details of the case. According to the commissioner, Paulinus was last seen alive with his close friend, Efe Onoitiyi. When Paulinus failed to return, Efe initially feigned ignorance, even visiting the victim’s family to inquire about his whereabouts. Suspicion deepened when Efe demanded ₦500,000 from Paulinus’s family, claiming he needed the money to consult a herbalist who could help locate the missing man.
Efe later fabricated a kidnapping story, alleging that Paulinus had been abducted and claiming he was negotiating with the supposed kidnappers. In a brazen act of deceit, Efe extorted a staggering ₦20.7 million in ransom from Paulinus’s family, all while concealing the dark truth.
The breakthrough in the case came when the police, acting on intelligence, arrested Okeimute Gaga. During interrogation, Gaga confessed to his involvement in the crime, detailing how Efe orchestrated the murder. According to Gaga, Efe lured Paulinus to the Orere River in Otokutu, where he insisted that Paulinus be killed. Gaga’s chilling confession unraveled a web of betrayal, greed, and ritualistic practices.
Gaga’s sudden death in custody has raised questions and added another layer of complexity to the case. While the exact cause of death remains undisclosed, the incident has sparked speculation and concern among the public. Many are calling for an independent investigation to determine whether foul play was involved.
As the investigation continues, CP Abaniwonda has assured the public of the police command’s commitment to delivering justice. “This case is one of the most gruesome we’ve encountered, and we are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that all those involved face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
The death of a suspect in custody may complicate the prosecution of the case, but it also underscores the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices. For the family of Paulinus Okon, the quest for justice continues, even as they grapple with the tragic loss of their loved one in such a horrific manner.
This unfolding saga is a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity and the importance of swift and thorough justice in upholding the rule of law.
PIONEER NEWS 