Richard Ekpebu Murder Over ₦9m Bayelsa Land Deal

The murder of Richard Ekpebu, a 42-year-old estate agent in Yenagoa, has shocked Bayelsa State. Ekpebu was allegedly abducted and killed after he demanded land ownership documents for a ₦9 million plot he helped broker.

Police say George Idumangi and his girlfriend, Victory “Tee Salvage” Benard Henry, planned the crime. The suspects allegedly lured Ekpebu to a meeting, murdered him, and dumped his body along Immagina Road.

Idumangi was later arrested in Lagos, where he was attempting to obtain an international passport. His girlfriend was arrested in Yenagoa, and police recovered weapons, ammunition, and communication devices from her home. Investigators say the land documents and funds are still missing.

Reports indicate the buyer of the property transferred ₦9 million directly into Idumangi’s account, cutting Ekpebu out of the deal. When Ekpebu pressed for proper documentation, the suspects allegedly arranged his abduction. Police also revealed Idumangi tried to bribe security officers with ₦4 million to destroy evidence and help him escape, but the attempt failed.

The Bayelsa State Police, under Operation Puff Adder led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, tracked the suspects across Lagos before capturing Idumangi in Ikorodu. A T-shirt labeled “IYC Tactical Team,” mobile phones, and other evidence were recovered.