The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested one George Idumangi over the alleged abduction and murder of a 42-year-old estate agent, Richard Ekpebu, in connection with a multi-million naira land fraud.
Operatives of Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, apprehended Idumangi in Lagos while he attempted to procure an international passport at an Immigration office. The suspect, who hails from Ogbia Local Government Area and claims to be a member of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), had been on the run since July 24, 2025, when Ekpebu was killed and his body dumped along the new Otuoke road near Bayelsa Palm.
Police sources revealed that the arrest followed a petition by the deceased’s family over delays in the investigation. The tactical squad trailed Idumangi for over a week across several Lagos communities, including Lekki, Ikorodu, Festac, Ikeja, and Orile, before finally nabbing him. Items recovered from his hideouts included a bag containing an IYC tactical team T-shirt and two mobile phones allegedly used during the crime.
The police also arrested a 23-year-old female accomplice, Victory Bernard Henry, in Yenagoa. Recovered from her custody were a pump-action rifle, five live cartridges, two empty AK-47 magazines, and a walkie-talkie. Investigators said Bernard played a key role in luring the victim, benefiting ₦1 million from the fraudulent land transaction.
According to preliminary findings, the deceased linked Idumangi to a potential buyer after being informed of land for sale by Bernard. The buyer allegedly paid ₦9 million directly into Idumangi’s account. Trouble began when the buyer demanded the property documents, only to discover the land had already been sold to the Chief Security Officer of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
When Ekpebu confronted the suspect over the fraudulent claims, Idumangi and an accomplice identified as Biggyallegedly abducted and killed him to cover up the scam.
Confirming the development, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, said:
“After painstaking intelligence and law enforcement measures, Mr. George Idumangi, who murdered Mr. Richard Ekpebu, was arrested this morning in Lagos while trying to flee the country. This was achieved with real intelligence. I am grateful to the people of Bayelsa and the prosperity government for their support.”
Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts intensify to apprehend other accomplices still at large.
