Palm Oil Factory Worker Murders Employer Over Unpaid Salary, Dumps Body in Bush

Suspect Demands Ransom, Arrested After Phone Traced to Him

In a shocking case of employer-employee violence, a 38-year-old businessman, Mr. Victor Iche, owner of a palm oil production factory in Delta State, has been brutally murdered by his employee, Awaji Moses, over alleged non-payment of six months' salary.

The suspect, a native of Benue State who reportedly grew up in Delta, confessed to killing and dumping his employer’s body in the bush, before attempting to cover up the crime with a fake kidnapping plot.

According to Delta State Police Command spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, who spoke during an interview on the case, the murder was premeditated and cruelly executed.

The suspect admitted he was angry that his employer delayed his salary because he was completing a building project. On a trip to Otokpu to buy palm fruit, he used a heavy metal mortar used for crushing palm kernels to strike Mr. Iche twice. When the victim did not die immediately, he then used his clothes to suffocate him,” said the suspect.

After murdering Mr. Iche, Moses reportedly moved the body to another location to avoid immediate discovery. He then took the victim’s phone and contacted the family, posing as a kidnapper and demanding a ₦10 million ransom.

The family, unaware that Mr. Iche was already dead, reportedly paid ₦300,000 before suspicions began to rise.

The police launched an intensive investigation, and tracked the victim’s phone, which was still in use. Moses was eventually arrested and, during interrogation, confessed to the crime.

He also led officers and family members to the location where he had hidden Mr. Iche’s body, which was recovered and taken for autopsy.

SP Edafe confirmed that the suspect remains in police custody and will be charged to court in due course.

"Justice will be served. He will have his day in court,” Edafe said.


The case has shocked the local community, with many expressing dismay over the gruesome betrayal of trust between a business owner and his staff.

The Delta State Police Command has once again urged employers and employees alike to resolve disputes through lawful means, and cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands.