Court Remands Suspected Killers of Bayelsa Real Estate Agent Richard Ekpebu Till April 2026

A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has ordered the remand of the prime suspect in the killing of real estate agent Richard Ekpebu, alongside four others, in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.

PulseNets learnt that the principal suspect, George Idumange, widely known as Pastor Brandy, was arraigned with four co-defendants on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to murder, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, armed robbery, and destruction of evidence, among other offences.

Those arraigned with him include his girlfriend, Miss Victory Bernard; a staff of the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre with an ASP-equivalent rank, Ekiamene Amaoniye, also known as Cash Money; Ibo Imaremi Gold, alias Police; and Henry Igwe.

PulseNets reported that upon the reading of the charges in suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/19/2026, all defendants entered pleas of not guilty.

PulseNets gathered that the presiding judge, Justice Raphael Ajuwa, after hearing submissions from the state prosecuting counsel representing the Directorate of Public Prosecution and the defence counsel, Peretimi Peterside, upheld the state’s application for the suspects to be remanded at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre pending the commencement of trial.

Further checks by PulseNets showed that a sixth defendant, identified as Queen Felix and said to be the sister of the principal suspect, was absent in court.

Addressing the court, the DPP explained her absence, stating, “She was very sick. And she is still not available. She is not actually charged with murder but forgery, so she can be charged separately.”

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 14, 15, and 16, 2026, for trial, following assurances from the prosecution that about 20 witnesses are prepared to testify in batches of three per sitting.

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PulseNets obtained that the deceased, Richard Ekpebu, was allegedly killed over a land transaction dispute, with his body later discovered in a bush along the New Otuoke Road near Bayelsa Palm on July 24, 2025.

Investigations by a police tactical unit under Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, reportedly spanned Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, culminating in the arrest of the five suspects in connection with the crime.