Realtor Murdered Over 9 Million Naira Land Deal in Bayelsa

Bayelsa State has been thrown into shock following the brutal murder of Mr. Richard Egbebu, a respected realtor and Vice President of the Association of Realtors in the state. He was allegedly killed by a landowner, Mr. George Idumangi, popularly known as Pastor Brandy, over a disputed land transaction worth 9 million naira.

Mr Richard Egbebu: the victim

The Deal Gone Wrong

According to sources, the ordeal began when prospective land buyers approached Mr. Egbebu to help them secure a property. Acting in his professional capacity, he contacted Mr. George Idumangi, who owned the land. The buyers reportedly paid the sum of ₦9 million directly to Mr. George, with the understanding that he would provide the land documents shortly afterward.

However, things quickly took a suspicious turn. Mr. George claimed that the land papers were in Port Harcourt and began giving excuses, leaving the buyers anxious. Since Mr. Egbebu had brokered the deal, the buyers kept pressuring him for the documents.

A Deadly Trap

In a shocking twist, Mr. George and his girlfriend allegedly conspired to silence Mr. Egbebu. They lured him to a secluded farm under false pretenses. There, he was shot three times and wrapped in a black nylon bag in an attempt to conceal the crime.

But luck was not on their side. A nearby farmer heard the gunshots, quietly observed the situation, and noted the suspects’ car plate number as they drove away.

The Search and Breakthrough

Meanwhile, concern grew as Mr. Egbebu’s wife, alongside the President of the Association of Realtors, reported his disappearance to the police. With the crucial eyewitness account from the farmer, the police were able to track the suspects.

Investigations revealed suspicious financial transactions linked to Mr. George, and his girlfriend was arrested while allegedly attempting to flee. The main suspect, Mr. George, was later traced to Lagos, where he was captured.

Justice Awaits

Both suspects are now in police custody, awaiting trial for the murder of Mr. Richard Egbebu. The case has sparked outrage across Bayelsa’s real estate community, with many calling for swift justice and stricter safeguards in land transactions.

A Community in Mourning

Mr. Egbebu was not only a professional realtor but also a leader in the industry, described by colleagues as dedicated, trustworthy, and hardworking. His death is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by real estate professionals in disputes involving land ownership and money.