Bayelsa High Court Orders Remand of Suspects in Estate Agent Murder Case
A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has remanded the key suspect and four others involved in the murder of estate agent Richard Ekpebu until April 14, 2026. The court session, held yesterday, saw the arraignment of George Idumange, popularly known as Pastor Brandy, along with his girlfriend Miss Victory Bernard, Ekiamene Amaoniye (alias Cash Money), Ibo Imaremi Gold (alias Police), and Henry Igwe.
Charges and Pleas in the High-Profile Case
The suspects faced 12 counts, including conspiracy to murder, murder, illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and destruction of evidence, as outlined in suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/19/2026. After the charges were read, all five accused persons pleaded not guilty to all allegations. The prosecution, representing the state and the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), argued for their remand pending trial.
Trial judge Justice Raphael Ajuwa granted the state's application, ordering the suspects to be held at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre. Notably, the sixth accused, Queen Felix, sister to the key suspect, was absent from court. The DPP explained that she had been granted administrative bail due to illness and is charged separately with forgery, not murder.
Trial Schedule and Investigation Details
Justice Ajuwa adjourned the case to April 14, 15, and 16, 2026, for trial, following assurances from the prosecution that 20 witnesses are ready to testify in batches of three per session. The murder of Richard Ekpebu occurred on July 24, 2025, when he was killed over a land sales deal and his body dumped in a bush along New Otuoke Road near Bayelsa Palm.
The arrest of the suspects resulted from a thorough investigation by the police tactical team of Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, spanning Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa. This case highlights ongoing efforts to address violent crimes in the region, with the court proceedings set to unfold over the coming months.
