Bayelsa court remands suspected killers of estate agent in correctional facility

By Philip Eke

Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa, yesterday remanded the key suspect in the murder of estate agent, Richard Ekpebu, and four others till April 14, 2026.

The key suspect George Idumange, aka Pastor Brandy and four others were arraigned before the State High Court on 12 counts of conspiracy to murder, murder, illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery and destruction of evidence, among others.

Also arraigned along with George were his girlfriend, Miss Victory Bernard, a personnel with the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre with the rank of ASP equivalent, Ekiamene Amaoniye, also known as Cash Money; Ibo Imaremi Gold, alias Police, and Henry Igwe.

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

Trial judge, Raphael Ajuwa, after listening to the arguments of the prosecuting counsel on behalf of the state and the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), and the defence counsel, Peretimi Peterside, he granted the application of the state that the suspects be remanded at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre pending trial.

However, sister to the key suspect, identified as Queen Felix, the 6th accused, was not in court.

The DPP told the court the 6th accused was initially granted administrative bail from her sick bed.

“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.”

Justice Ajuwa adjourned till April 14, 15 and 16 for trial after assurances from the state’s prosecuting team that its 20 witnesses were ready to appear in court in batches of three per session.

The late Ekpebu was murdered in cool blood over land sales deal and his body dumped in a bush along the New Otuoke Road near Bayelsa Palm on July 24, 2025.

The police tactical team of the Operation Puff Adder led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, following a thorough investigation in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Yenagoa, arrested the five suspects over the killing.