Operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Festac Town Lagos, and the Operation Puff Adder unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command have rejected a ₦4 million bribe allegedly offered by George Idumange, the prime suspect in the murder of a 42-year-old estate agent, Richard Ekpebu.
Idumange was arrested on Monday in Lagos when he appeared at the Immigration Office to collect his processed international passport. His arrest followed coordinated efforts between the NIS, officers of Operation Puff Adder led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, and the Station Officer of Area E Police Command, Festac.
Police sources revealed that, in desperation to avoid being handed over to the Bayelsa Police Command, Idumange attempted to bribe security operatives with ₦4 million. He allegedly made further offers of ₦2 million to delete files from his mobile phone, and ₦3 million to destroy the phone entirely, but these were all rejected.
When CSP Nwaogbo and his team arrived in Lagos to take custody of the suspect, Idumange reportedly repeated the bribe offer, which was again declined. His mobile phone and newly procured international passport have since been secured as exhibits. The suspect is expected to be transferred to Yenagoa soon.
Investigations indicate that Idumange, along with three others, conspired in July 2025 to abduct and murder estate agent Richard Ekpebu, whose body was later discovered along the new Otuoke Road near Bayelsa Palm.
Other Suspects
Those alleged to have conspired with Idumange include:
Victor Shadrack, also known as Doggy.
“Insurance” (real name unknown), a beneficiary of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and member of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Central Zone.
Victory Benard Henry, 23, from Akwa Ibom, reportedly Idumange’s girlfriend and the group’s armourer. She is alleged to have received ₦1 million for her role.
Victory Henry was arrested in Yenagoa, where police recovered one pump-action gun, five live cartridges, two empty AK-47 magazines, ten walkie-talkies with chargers, and three AK-47 rifle slings.
Police Investigation
Following a petition from the family of the deceased over delays in investigation, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, transferred the case to Operation Puff Adder. The investigation spanned multiple locations in Lagos, including Lekki, Ikorodu, Festac, Ikeja, and Orile.
Police raids on Idumange’s hideouts yielded a bag containing a T-shirt with the inscription IYC Tactical Team and two phones reportedly used during the crime.
IYC Condemns Crime
Reacting to the incident, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), worldwide, under the leadership of Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, condemned the involvement of its alleged members. Lokpobiri clarified that Idumange previously served in committee roles under past zonal leadership but holds no position in the current administration.
“The IYC is a reputable organization rooted in peaceful advocacy for the Ijaw people. We strongly condemn crime in all forms. While some criminal elements may infiltrate, they do not represent us,” Lokpobiri said.
Expressing sympathy to the Ekpebu family, he added: “The deceased was a promising Ijaw youth engaged in legitimate business. Nobody has the right to take another’s life. The IYC will fully support police investigations to ensure justice is served.”
Lokpobiri also commended the Nigerian Police for their swift efforts and urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement.
