Missing Bayelsa Real Estate Mogul Found Dead in Forest, Shot Execution-Style
The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of the decomposing body of prominent real estate developer, Ekpeboh Richard, days after he was declared missing. His remains were found in a swampy forest area in Ogbia Local Government Area on the evening of Saturday, August 2, 2025.
According to reports, officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) made the grim discovery around 6 p.m. near the NDDC IDP Camp Road, along the route leading to Otuokpoti. Preliminary investigations suggest that Richard, a native of Amassoma in Southern Ijaw LGA and Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Consultants Association of Bayelsa State, was executed with a close-range gunshot to the head.
The 43-year-old father of two was last seen on July 24 after leaving his residence. His wife reported him missing in the early hours of the next morning when he failed to return home. In the days that followed, the family received suspicious WhatsApp messages from Richard’s phone, allegedly sent by his abductors in an attempt to mislead them.
One message claimed he was safe and asked his wife not to worry. Another referenced an unusual plan to send money via a PoS operator, followed by a N15,300 transfer. The messages also alluded to outstanding debts of N9 million and N3 million to unnamed individuals in the real estate sector—fueling speculation about a possible financial motive behind his abduction and murder.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing two young men dragging Richard into the forest near the scene. Gunshots were heard shortly afterward. The suspects then fled the area in Richard’s Toyota Matrix, which remains missing.
At the crime scene, investigators found signs of a struggle, including a lone shoe believed to belong to the deceased. His body was partially concealed in the swamp, with visible gunshot wounds to the head.
The Homicide Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the investigation. Police are exploring two primary leads: a possible business dispute and potential connections to cybercrime or money laundering within the real estate sector.
As of the time of reporting, no arrests have been made. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
