The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one George Idumangi, suspected to be behind the abduction and murder of a 42-year-old estate agent, Richard Ekpebu.
Ekpebu was kidnapped and killed on July 24, 2025, with his body later found dumped in a bush along the Otuoke road near Bayelsa Palm.
According to police authorities, Idumangi — who hails from Ogbia Local Government Area and claims to be a member of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) — was arrested in Lagos while attempting to procure an international passport in a bid to flee the country.
The arrest followed weeks of intelligence gathering by operatives of Operation Puff Adder, led by Commander CSP Chris Nwaogbo, after the family of the deceased petitioned the police over alleged delays in the investigation.
Police sources disclosed that the tactical squad trailed the suspect across several Lagos communities, including Lekki, Ikorodu, Festac, Ikeja and Orile, before finally apprehending him.
During the operation, officers also recovered a bag containing two mobile phones and a T-shirt with the inscription “IYC Tactical Team,” which the suspect allegedly used during the crime.
A 23-year-old woman, Victory Bernard Henry, identified as the suspect’s girlfriend, was also arrested in Yenagoa. A pump-action rifle, five live cartridges, two empty AK-47 magazines, and a walkie-talkie were reportedly recovered from her.
Preliminary findings indicate that Henry had lured the estate agent into introducing Idumangi to a potential land buyer.
The buyer later transferred ₦9 million directly to Idumangi’s account. She allegedly received ₦1 million from the proceeds.
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However, conflict arose when the buyer demanded the land documents. Police investigators said the suspect accused the deceased of absconding with the papers, a claim Ekpebu strongly denied.
In a bid to silence him, Idumangi — alongside an accomplice identified only as Biggy — allegedly abducted and killed the agent.
Further investigations revealed that the disputed land had already been sold to the Chief Security Officer of former President Goodluck Jonathan, before Idumangi resold it to another buyer.
Confirming the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, praised the tactical team for what he described as a “painstaking intelligence-led operation.”
“Mr. George Idumangi, who murdered Mr. Richard Ekpebu, was arrested in Lagos this morning while trying to escape the country. This was achieved through real intelligence. I commend the people of Bayelsa for their support and the government for its cooperation,” he said.
Both suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.