Bayelsa State Government to Arraign Six Suspects in Brutal Murder of Estate Agent
The Bayelsa State Government is set to arraign six individuals today for their alleged involvement in the cold-blooded murder of 42-year-old estate agent, Richard Ekpebu. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the community, stems from a land sales dispute that turned deadly.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
Ekpebu was brutally murdered on July 24, 2025, with his body callously dumped in a bush along the New Otuoke Road near Bayelsa Palm. The police tactical team of Operation Puff Adder, under the leadership of CSP Chris Nwaogbo, conducted a thorough investigation spanning Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa. This extensive probe led to the arrest of five suspects connected to the killing.
Our correspondent has confirmed that those arrested include the key suspect, George Idumange, 40; his girlfriend, Miss Victory Bernard, 23; Ekiamene Amaoniye, also known as Cash Money, a personnel with the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre holding a rank equivalent to ASP; Ibo Imaremi Gold, alias Police, 34; Queen Felix, sister to the key suspect; and Henry Igwe, 35.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Sources close to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), headed by Peretimi Judith Peterside, have disclosed that the prosecution will arraign the suspects today at the State High Court 5, presided over by Justice Raphael Ajuwa. In the charge sheet, identified under the suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/19/2026, the suspects face a litany of serious charges.
These charges include alleged conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit murder, murder, conspiracy to obtain money under false pretence, conspiracy to destroy evidence, destroying evidence, and illegal possession of firearms, among others. The breadth of these allegations underscores the gravity of the case and the extensive criminal activities suspected.
Controversy Surrounding Correctional Officer
It has been gathered that despite repeated correspondence from the State Police Command to the Nigerian Correctional Service, there has been no acknowledgement of the existence of Ekiamene Amaoniye Alex, also known as Cash Money, as a personnel with the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre. This discrepancy raises questions about the individual's official status and background.
According to the prepared charge sheet, Alex, alias Money, is specifically charged with illegal possession of firearms and conspiracy to destroy evidence. Additionally, Queen Felix, the sister of the key suspect, is to be charged with alleged forgery and false signature of a deed of conveyance for a land located at Otuoke in the Ogbia Local Council of the state. She is accused of presenting this forged document to the Special Enquiry Bureau office of the Nigerian Police Force as evidence of land ownership.
Implications and Next Steps
The arraignment marks a critical step in the judicial process, bringing the suspects before the court to answer for their alleged crimes. The case highlights ongoing issues of land-related violence and corruption within the state, drawing attention to the need for stricter enforcement and transparency in property transactions.
As the proceedings unfold today, the Bayelsa State Government and law enforcement agencies are under scrutiny to ensure justice is served for Richard Ekpebu and his family. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future, reinforcing the rule of law and public safety in the region.
