Police Arrest Suspected Killer of Bayelsa Estate Agent

The Bayelsa State Police Command has successfully arrested a suspect in the brutal abduction and murder of Richard Ekpebu, a 42-year-old estate agent. The suspect, George Idumangi, was apprehended in Lagos after months of investigation and intelligence tracking. (Vanguard News)

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🔍 What Happened

• Victim: Richard Ekpebu, age 42, worked as an estate agent. (Vanguard News)

• He was abducted on July 24, 2025, and his body was later found dumped in a bush along New Otuoke Road near Bayelsa Palm. (Vanguard News)

• Following family petitions over alleged delays in the investigation, the case was reassigned to the Bayelsa Police’s Operation Puff Adder Tactical Squad, under CSP Chris Nwaogbo. (Vanguard News)

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⚙️ Arrest & Investigation

• Suspect: George Idumangi, a native of Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. He claims membership in the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) worldwide. (Vanguard News)

• He was arrested in Lagos, at the Immigration Office, while attempting to secure an international passport to flee the country. (Vanguard News)

• Operatives trailed him across multiple Lagos locations: Lekki, Ikorodu, Festac, Ikeja, Orile. During the pursuit, they recovered a T-shirt with the inscription “IYC Tactical Team” and two mobile phones allegedly connected to the crime. (NewsWire NG)

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🧰 Accomplices & Recovered Evidence

• A 23-year-old woman, Victory Benard Henry, alleged to be George Idumangi’s girlfriend, was arrested in Yenagoa. (Vanguard News)

• From her custody, police recovered:
  • One pump-action gun
  • Five live cartridges
  • Two empty AK-47 magazines
  • Ten walkie-talkies and chargers
  • Three AK-47 rifle slings (Vanguard News)

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💵 The Fraudulent Land Deal

• The preliminary police investigation suggests the motive was tied to a fraudulent land sale. Victory allegedly introduced Richard Ekpebu to a potential buyer under the pretext of a land transaction. (The Will News)

• The buyer paid ₦9 million into George Idumangi’s account for the land. Victory is said to have received ₦1 million for her role in bringing them together. (NewsWire NG)

• Conflict arose when the buyer demanded the land documents. Ekpebu denied knowledge of some of the claims made by the suspect, leading to tension. The situation escalated when the suspects allegedly abducted him to cover up the false claims that he had absconded with the documents. (NewsWire NG)

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🛡 Police Statement & Next Steps

• The State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, confirmed the arrest, praising the operation and intelligence work by his men. He thanked residents for support and highlighted the importance of vigilant public cooperation. (Vanguard News)

• Investigations remain ongoing to locate and arrest additional accomplices (“Doggy” and “Insurance” are mentioned as names) and to gather more evidence. Charges will be pressed accordingly. (NewsWire NG)

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🗞 Wider Implications

• The case highlights police capacity to track fugitives across state lines using intelligence-led operations.

• It underscores the risks in real estate transactions in Nigeria, especially when documentation is disputed.

• It also raises issues of trust, safety, and the need for proper vetting and clear documentation in property dealings.

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