Estate Agent Murder: George Idumange, four others arraigned, remanded in prison

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

George Idumange, the prime suspect in the murder of 42-year-old Richard Ekpebu, a Bayelsa State estate agent, was arraigned Monday alongside four others before the State High Court on a 12-count charge.

The charges include conspiracy to commit murder, murder, illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and destroying evidence, among others.

Arraigned with Idumange were his girlfriend, Victory Bernard, 23; Ekiamene Amaoniye, also known as Cash Money, a personnel of the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre with the rank equivalent to ASP; Ibo Imaremi Gold, alias Police, 34; and Henry Igwe, 35.

After the charges in suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/19/2026 were read, all the accused pleaded not guilty.

The presiding judge, Justice Raphael Ajuwa, after hearing arguments from the prosecuting counsel on behalf of the state and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), E.J. Peterside, as well as the defence counsels—M.Y. Benabo Esq. (for the 1st and 4th accused), Azi Ovana Esq. (2nd accused), Wariebi Igberikubo Esq. (5th accused), and Okunade Esq.—granted the state’s application to remand the suspects at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre pending trial.

The key suspect’s sister, identified as Queen Felix, the 6th accused, was absent from court. The DPP informed the court that she had been granted administrative bail due to illness and is not currently charged with murder but with forgery. She may face separate charges at a later date.

Justice Ajuwa adjourned the case to April 14, 15, and 16, after the state prosecuting team confirmed they have a total of 20 witnesses, whom they plan to present in batches of three per session.

Richard Ekpebu, a well-known estate agent, was brutally murdered over a land sale deal. His body was discovered dumped in a bush along the New Otuoke Road near Bayelsa Palm on July 24, 2025.

Following an intensive investigation by the police tactical team of Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, five suspects were arrested in connection with the killing.

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