The police have arrested a man identified simply as Moses for the abduction and gruesome killing of his 38-year-old colleague, Victor Ochei, after collecting a ransom of ₦300,000 from the victim’s family.

Victor, who was declared missing on Sunday, June 29, 2025, was later discovered to have been murdered in a bush in Ute-Okpu, Delta State. He was laid to rest on Friday, July 4, 2025, at his residence in Umunede, Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

According to police sources, the suspect, originally from Kogi State but residing in Umunede, had worked alongside Victor at a local oil mill.

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It was alleged that Moses lured Victor under false pretences to a palm plantation in Ute-Okpu, where he struck him on the back of the head with a stick, killing him instantly. He then concealed the body under a pile of palm fronds.

Investigators revealed that after the killing, Moses used Victor’s mobile phone to contact the victim’s family, demanding a ₦10 million ransom. Unaware that Victor was already dead, the distressed family managed to raise ₦300,000 and transferred the money to the suspect via an Opay account he provided.

Police eventually tracked down and apprehended the suspect. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime, confirming that he had murdered Victor before requesting the ransom.

Authorities have described the incident as a shocking betrayal, as both men were said to have had a working relationship. The Delta State Police Command is expected to provide further details as investigations continue.