Pastor Brandy, four others arraigned over agent’s murder

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

George Idumange, popularly known as Pastor Brandy, and four other suspects have been arraigned before a Bayelsa State High Court over the murder of a 42-year-old estate agent, Richard Ekpebu.

Idumange, identified as the principal suspect, was docked on Monday alongside his girlfriend, Victory Bernard, 23; a correctional officer attached to the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre, Ekiamene Amaoniye, also known as “Cash Money”; Ibo Imaremi Gold, alias “Police”, 34; and Henry Igwe, 35.

The defendants are facing 12 counts bordering on conspiracy to commit murder, murder, illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery and destruction of evidence, among other offences.

When the charges in suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/19/2026 were read to them, all five accused persons pleaded not guilty.

Following arguments from the prosecution, represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), E. J. Peterside, and the defence counsel, M. Y. Benabo (for the first and fourth defendants), Azi Ovana (second defendant), Wariebi Igberikubo (fifth defendant) and Okunade, Justice Raphael Ajuwa ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre pending trial.

However, the sixth defendant, Queen Felix, said to be the sister of the principal suspect, was not present in court.

The DPP, Peretimi Judith Peterside, informed the court that the sixth defendant had previously been granted administrative bail on account of ill health.

“She was very sick and is still unavailable, and the surety is also not present. She is not actually charged with the murder but with forgery, and she can be charged separately,” Peterside told the court.

Justice Ajuwa subsequently adjourned the case to 14, 15 and 16 April after the prosecution indicated that it had about 20 witnesses ready to testify in batches of three per sitting.

Ekpebu, a well-known estate agent, was reportedly murdered over a land transaction dispute. His body was later dumped in a bush along New Otuoke Road near Bayelsa Palm on 24 July 2025.

Following investigations in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Yenagoa, operatives of the police tactical unit, Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, arrested five suspects in connection with the killing.