Police arrest suspected killer of Bayelsa estate agent, in Lagos

Police have apprehended a man suspected of murdering 42-year-old estate agent Richard Ekpebu in Bayelsa State. Ekpebu was kidnapped and killced on July 24, 2025, with his body found hidden in a bush along the new Otuoke road near Bayelsa Palm.

The suspect, George Idumangi, from the Ogbia Local Government area, claims to be affiliated with the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) worldwide. He was arrested in Lagos while trying to obtain an international passport at the immigration office.

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Following concerns from Ekpebu’s family about delays in the investigation, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, directed that the case be handed over to the Operation Puff Adder team led by Commander Chris Nwaogbo. Investigators traced Idumangi’s whereabouts across various locations in Lagos over the past week.

Police conducted searches of locations identified as his hideouts in Lagos, narrowly missing him but recovering his bag, which contained a T-shirt with “IYC tactical team” printed on it and two phones he used during the crime.

Within eight days, Nwaogbo’s team arrested Idumangi’s girlfriend, 23-year-old Victory Benard Henry, in Yenagoa, and seized multiple illegal items, including a pump-action gun, live cartridges, empty AK-47 magazines, walkie-talkies, chargers, and AK-47 rifle slings.

Initial investigations revealed that the suspect’s girlfriend had approached Ekpebu about a land sale, leading to a direct deposit of nine million Naira into Idumangi’s account. Victory supposedly received one million Naira for her involvement.

Complications arose when the buyer requested the land documents. Ekpebu informed the buyer that he was not part of the deal, causing tensions to escalate. The suspect, along with an accomplice named Biggy, lured Ekpebu from his home and abducted him, ultimately killing him to cover up their deceit regarding the land documents.

According to police sources, the land had previously been sold to the Chief Security Officer for former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan before the suspects attempted to sell it again.

Confirming the arrests, Commissioner of Police Francis Idu stated that “through thorough intelligence and law enforcement actions, the primary suspect, Mr. George Idumangi, was captured in Lagos while attempting to escape the country. I appreciate the support of the noble people of Bayelsa and the Prosperity Government.”