Body of Missing Bayelsa Real Estate Developer Found in Forest

The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of the decomposing body of Mr. Ekpeboh Richard, a prominent real estate developer, who went missing days earlier under suspicious circumstances.

Richard’s remains were recovered by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) around 6 p.m. on Saturday in a swampy forest between NDDC IDP Camp Road and Otuokpoti, in Ogbia Local Government Area.

Preliminary investigations suggest he was executed with a close-range gunshot to the head before his body was dumped in the dense forest. Officers at the scene also recovered signs of a struggle and a piece of footwear believed to belong to the deceased.

A native of Amassoma in Southern Ijaw LGA and father of two, Richard served as Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Consultants Association of Bayelsa State. He was last seen on July 24, 2025, after leaving his home, prompting concern when he failed to return.

According to relatives, his wife sounded the alarm around 2 a.m. the following day. In the hours that followed, strange WhatsApp messages began arriving from Richard’s phone. The texts, claiming he was safe and asking not to be worried, raised suspicion. One message promised to send money through a PoS operator instead of his usual account transfer method, and a sum of ₦15,300 was reportedly sent.

The messages also referenced debts of ₦9 million and ₦3 million allegedly owed to colleagues in the real estate sector. However, police later concluded the messages were sent by his abductors in an effort to mislead the family and stall intervention.

Concerned friends and associates, alarmed by the unusual tone of the messages, alerted the police. Acting on the tip-off, the RRS, led by CSP Bishop Elemide, launched a manhunt supported by community informants and local youth.

Witnesses reported seeing two young men in a blue Honda V-Boot dragging Richard into the bush. Moments later, two gunshots were heard. The assailants then escaped with the victim’s Toyota Matrix, which remains missing.

At the scene of the killing, officers recovered physical evidence suggesting a violent encounter. Richard’s body was partially hidden in the swamp, bearing fatal gunshot injuries.

Police sources say the Homicide Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is now leading the case. Investigators are examining two primary leads: a possible business dispute or links to cybercrime and money laundering.

“We are leaving no stone unturned,” a senior police officer said. “The perpetrators will be apprehended and brought to justice.”

Though currently on official duty in Abuja, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, has been fully briefed. He has ordered the SCID to intensify their efforts in tracking down those responsible and uncovering the motive behind the murder.