By Deborah Nnamdi
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, Alex Kehinde, over the alleged murder of an 80-year-old resident in the Asaba–Ogwashi area of Aniocha South Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed the development, stating that the incident occurred on February 3, 2026, but the suspect was recently apprehended in Lagos State following what he described as a “technically driven investigation.”
According to the police, the victim was found dead in his residence after he was allegedly suffocated by Kehinde and an accomplice identified simply as “Egbon,” who remains at large.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased had engaged the suspects to renovate his apartment, paying them N200,000 for the job. However, rather than carry out the work, the suspects allegedly conspired to kidnap him.
Edafe said the suspects took the elderly man upstairs in his home, where they attacked him and covered his mouth with a mobile phone to prevent him from raising alarm. The victim reportedly suffocated during the assault and died at the scene.
The suspects allegedly abandoned the body and proceeded to steal the victim’s motorcycle and mobile phone. The phone was later sold at Ogbeogonogo Market in Asaba for N30,000.
Police further disclosed that the suspects removed the victim’s SIM card and used it to contact his son, falsely claiming that he had been kidnapped. They subsequently demanded a ransom of N2 million, which the family paid, with the proceeds reportedly shared equally between them.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and ensure he is brought to justice.
In his confession, Kehinde admitted involvement in the crime and revealed that the idea to kill the victim was suggested by his accomplice.
The police spokesperson urged members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar persons, and to avoid situations that could expose them to danger.
