George Idumange popularly known as Pastor Brandy, the key suspect in the murder of the 42 year old Estate Agent in Bayelsa, Richard Ekpebu and four others were on Monday arraigned before the State High Court on twelves counts charges of conspiracy for murder, Murder, illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery and destruction of evidence among other charges.
Also arraigned along with Idumange, were his girlfriend, Miss Victory Bernard, 23; a personnel with the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre with the rank of ASP equivalent, Ekiamene Amaoniye, aka Cash Money; Ibo Imaremi Gold, alias Police, 34; and Henry Igwe, 35.
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.
The presiding Judge, Justice Raphael Ajuwa, after listening to the arguments of the Prosecuting Counsel on behalf of the State and the DPP, E.J.Peterside Esq and the Defence Counsel, M.Y.Benabo Esq (for 1st and 4th accused), Azi Ovana Esq for (2nd accused) and Wariebi Igberikubo Esq (5th accused) and Okunade Esq, he granted the application of the state that the suspects be remanded at the Okaka Medium Correctional Center pending trial.
Also the sister to the key suspect, identified as Queen Felix , who is the 6th accused, was however not in court.
The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) headed by Peretimi Judith Peterside Esq 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 and the surety is not available too. She is not actually charged with murder but forgery.she can be charged separately.”
Justice Ajuwa however adjourned the case to April 14,15 and 16th after assurances from the State Prosecuting team that they have a total of 20 witnesses and are ready to present them in court in batches of three per session.
Late Ekpebu, a known Estate Agent, was murdered in cold blood over a 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 five suspects over the killing.
