Ughelli, Nigeria – The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Efe Money and the Chief Priest of Otokutu Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area over the alleged murder of Paulinus, also known as Easy Boutique. Seven other suspects have also been apprehended in connection with the crime.
The arrests were confirmed on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who issued a brief statement to journalists, stating, “Confirmed.” Among those arrested are Sunday Ikpeba, Gavin Agbaja, Lawrence Joseph, Okiemute, John Egole, Elohor Oboteru, and Godwin Wanwan.
Details of the Crime
Investigations revealed that Efe Money allegedly conspired with the Chief Priest to lure Paulinus to a shrine operated by the latter. There, the victim was reportedly beheaded, and his remains were disposed of in a nearby river. According to police findings, the suspects later contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of over ₦20 million, which they collected.
Further investigations revealed that Gavin Agbaja was initially contracted by Efe Money to kill Paulinus for ₦1.5 million. However, Agbaja reportedly backed out of the deal after receiving an initial payment of ₦450,000. Subsequently, Sunday Ikpeba and Okiemute carried out the gruesome act, with Okiemute allegedly beheading the victim while Ikpeba held him down. Okiemute was reportedly paid ₦100,000 by the Chief Priest for the act.
The Chief Priest, identified as Lawrence Joseph, buried the victim’s head at his shrine. Days later, the suspects retrieved the victim’s body from the river, removed his intestines, tied blocks to the corpse, and threw it back into the river to ensure it sank. The victim’s car was abandoned on Otu-Jeremi Road to make the crime appear as a kidnap case.
Threats and Arrests
Following the discovery of Paulinus’ body, the police launched a series of operations led by CSP Aliyu Shaba, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpan Division. The suspects were apprehended at various locations on different dates. During the operation, the police recovered the victim’s head from the Chief Priest’s shrine.
In a chilling twist, Efe Money, now in custody, allegedly called human rights activist Israel Joe and threatened to kill him for publishing his pictures on social media. Israel Joe has urged the police to ensure justice is served and described the incident as an inhuman betrayal.
Public Reaction
Kelvin Ejumudo, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Human Rights Affairs, condemned the crime, describing it as “tragic and inhuman.” He applauded CSP Aliyu Shaba and his team for their swift action and called for the suspects to face the full wrath of the law.
Comrade Ejumudo stated, “There’s no peace for the wicked.”
About Paulinus (Easy Boutique)
Although information about the deceased is scarce, human rights activist Comr Israel Joe has shed some light on the victim’s background in a social media video.
According to Abong, Mr. Paulinus, also known as Easy Boutique, hailed from Akwa Ibom state and resided in Ughelli, Delta State, where he owned and operated a successful boutique business.
Reports indicate that his boutique was one of the largest in Ughelli, solidifying his reputation as a prominent entrepreneur in the community.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, and authorities vow to ensure justice prevails.
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