By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command’s Operation Puff Adder have arrested George Idumangi, the prime suspect in the abduction and murder of 42-year-old estate agent, Richard Ekpebu. His body was discovered in a bush along Otuoke Road near Bayelsa Palm on July 24, 2025.
Idumangi, an indigene of Ogbia Local Government Area who claims membership of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), was apprehended in Lagos while attempting to obtain an international passport at the Immigration office.
The arrest followed a week-long manhunt led by Commander Chris Nwaogbo, after Ekpebu’s family petitioned over delays in the investigation. Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, had ordered the transfer of the case to Operation Puff Adder for urgent action.
Police tracked Idumangi across several locations in Lagos, including Lekki, Ikorodu, Festac, Ikeja and Orile, before arresting him. A bag containing an IYC tactical team T-shirt and two phones used during the crime was recovered. Within eight days, the team also arrested his 23-year-old girlfriend, Victory Benard Henry, in Yenagoa.
Recovered from Henry were a pump-action gun, five live cartridges, two empty AK-47 magazines, 10 walkie-talkies, 10 chargers and three AK-47 rifle slings.
Investigations revealed that Henry allegedly lured Ekpebu into a land deal, connecting him with a buyer who paid Idumangi N9 million. She reportedly received N1 million for her role. The deal collapsed when the buyer demanded land documents, which Idumangi falsely claimed were taken by Ekpebu.
When confronted, Ekpebu denied the claim, prompting Idumangi, Victor Shadrack (alias Doggy), and an accomplice known as Insurance—a Presidential Amnesty beneficiary and IYC member—to abduct and kill him in order to conceal their fraudulent dealings.
Further findings showed the disputed land had already been sold to the Chief Security Officer of former President Goodluck Jonathan before being resold to another buyer.
Commissioner Idu confirmed the arrest, stating: “Through diligent intelligence and law enforcement efforts, George Idumangi, who murdered Richard Ekpebu, was apprehended in Lagos while attempting to flee the country. I thank the people of Bayelsa and the Prosperity Government for their support.”
Police said investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to apprehend the remaining suspects.
