George Idumange popularly known as Pastor Brandy, the key suspect in the m8rder of Bayelsa State estate agent, Richard Ekpebu and four others have been arraigned before the State High Court on 12-count charges of conspiracy for m8rder, illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery and destroying evidence among others.
Also arraigned along with George Idumange, on Monday, March 16, 2026, were his 23-year-old girlfriend, Miss Victory Bernard, a personnel with the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre with the rank of ASP equivalent, Ekiamene Amaoniye, aka Cash Money; 34 year old Ibo Imaremi Gold, alias Police, and 35-year-old Henry Igwe.
After the charges in the suit 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 Director of Public Prosecution, E.J.Peterside and the Defence Counsel, M Y Benabo (for 1st and 4th accused), Azi Ovana for (2nd accused) and Wariebi Igberikubo for (5th accused) and Okunade he granted the application of the state that the suspects be remanded at the Okaka Medium Correctional Center pending trial.
Also the sister of 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 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 shorty is not available too. She is not actually charged with murder but forgery.she can be charged separately,” he said.
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 Richard 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 k!lling.