The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old suspect, Alex Kehinde, in connection with the alleged murder of an 80-year-old man in Asaba–Ogwashi, Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident to The Guardian, said the crime occurred on February 3, 2026, but the prime suspect was only recently apprehended in Lagos State following what he described as a “technically driven investigation.”

According to Edafe, the elderly victim was found lifeless in his residence after being suffocated by the suspect and an accomplice identified simply as “Egbon,” who is currently at large.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased had planned to renovate his apartment and rent it out to tenants. He had reportedly contracted the suspect and his accomplice for the renovation work, paying them a sum of N200,000.

However, rather than carry out the job, the suspects allegedly conspired to kidnap the victim. Edafe explained that they 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.
Instead of seeking medical help, the suspects allegedly abandoned the victim and proceeded to steal his motorcycle and mobile phone.

The stolen phone was later sold at Ogbeogonogo Market in Asaba for N30,000.
In a further twist, the suspects reportedly removed the victim’s SIM card and used it to contact his son, falsely claiming that the man had been kidnapped.

They subsequently demanded a ransom of N2 million, which the family paid.
Police said the suspects shared the ransom equally, taking N1 million each.

The police spokesperson also used the opportunity to caution members of the public to exercise vigilance, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar persons, stressing that individuals should avoid isolated engagements that could expose them to danger.

Edafe noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and bring him to justice.

In his confession, Kehinde admitted to participating in the crime and disclosed that his accomplice, now on the run, suggested that the victim be killed.