Delta Hotel Manager Brutally Murders POS Operator and Extorts Money from Her Father

In a shocking turn of events, the manager of Century Home Hotel in Owhelogbo community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, has confessed to the brutal murder of a 22-year-old POS operator, Onoriode Bethel. The suspect, identified as Iboirode, reportedly lured Bethel into the hotel premises before taking her life. The tragic incident has left the community in shock and mourning as more disturbing details continue to emerge.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the grim development on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. According to the command's spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, Iboirode murdered Bethel, buried her body on the hotel premises, and proceeded to extort money from her father using the victim’s POS machine. The suspect allegedly extracted the password from Bethel before killing her, using the device to collect the ransom. The police have since recovered Bethel’s remains, bringing some semblance of closure to her grieving family.

The horrific crime came to light after Bethel was reported missing by her family on Friday, December 13, 2024. Initial investigations led to the arrest of Iboirode, the hotel’s security guard, and two other staff members in March 2025, following the murder of another guest, Pastor Sunday Ogofotha, at the same hotel. The community’s fears escalated as rumors of the hotel being a hotspot for criminal activities began to circulate.

The suspect’s wife, in a shocking confession, revealed that her husband had killed Bethel after a dispute over a failed transaction. According to her, Bethel accused Iboirode of using a fake alert to withdraw N10,000 from her account. Though Bethel managed to recover her money, Iboirode, feeling his reputation had been tarnished, vowed to kill her in retaliation. The wife disclosed that Iboirode invited Bethel to the hotel under the guise of reconciliation. He then led her to a room around 7 pm, where he carried out the gruesome act. The wife, unaware of the killing at the time, only learned of it when Iboirode returned to their room at midnight and confessed.

Iboirode's disturbing motive was rooted in a sense of personal vendetta, as he believed Bethel had damaged his image by exposing his fraudulent attempt. After killing her, he used her phone to contact her father, demanding a ransom while disguising his voice. The father, desperate to ensure his daughter’s safety, complied and transferred the money using the POS device. The suspect’s cruel and calculated actions have sparked outrage across social media, with calls for justice growing louder by the day.

SP Bright Edafe stated that the police were initially perplexed when they recovered Bethel’s POS machine from Iboirode during the investigation of Pastor Ogofotha’s murder. Iboirode initially claimed ignorance of the device’s origin, but persistent questioning eventually broke his resolve, leading to his full confession. Edafe noted that the case serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by young business owners who rely on mobile transactions.

Bethel’s family, who have been left devastated by the tragic loss, have expressed their hopes for a swift and fair trial. Her father, who unknowingly facilitated the ransom payment, is reportedly in a state of shock. Friends and acquaintances have described Bethel as a hardworking and cheerful individual who ran her POS business with integrity.

Community leaders in Owhelogbo have condemned the brutal act and are calling for stricter security measures within the hotel industry. Many are questioning how Iboirode managed to carry out such a heinous crime on the premises without detection. Residents are also demanding a thorough investigation into the hotel’s management practices, as two murders within a few months have raised serious concerns about guest safety.

Meanwhile, human rights activists and community advocates have gathered at the hotel to hold a vigil in honor of Bethel’s memory. They are calling for justice not only for her but also for all victims of violence and exploitation within the community. The activists have stressed the need for heightened security measures in public places and better protection for small business operators, especially women.

As investigations continue, the Delta State Police Command has assured the public that all those involved in the crime will face the full wrath of the law. SP Edafe emphasized the importance of community vigilance and encouraged residents to report suspicious activities promptly. He further urged hotel owners to properly vet their employees to avoid employing individuals with questionable backgrounds.

The tragic murder of Onoriode Bethel has sent ripples through the community, sparking conversations about the safety of young entrepreneurs who engage in mobile money transactions. As friends and family mourn her loss, the community’s call for justice grows stronger. The police have vowed to ensure that Iboirode and any accomplices involved in the crime are prosecuted to the fullest extent.

The horrifying incident has not only shattered Bethel’s family but has also ignited debates on the need for better regulatory oversight of hotels and hospitality businesses. Many fear that similar incidents could occur if adequate safety measures are not put in place. Authorities are now under pressure to reassess security protocols in hotels across the state.

As the case unfolds, Nigerians continue to follow the story with bated breath, hoping that justice will be served for Bethel and that measures will be taken to prevent future occurrences. The public remains outraged, and many are demanding that the hotel be shut down as investigations continue. The Delta State government has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but community members are adamant that swift action is necessary to restore confidence and safety in the area.