Bayelsa Real Estate Mogul Found Dead in Forest Days After Being Declared Missing

Yenagoa, Bayelsa – August 3, 2025

The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of the lifeless body of missing real estate developer Ekpeboh Richard, days after he was reported missing.

According to police sources, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) recovered the decomposing body around 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, in a swampy forest between the NDDC IDP Camp Road and Otuokpoti in Ogbia Local Government Area.

Execution-Style Killing Suspected

Preliminary reports indicate that Richard, who was shot in the head at close range, was killed execution-style before his body was dumped in the forest. At the crime scene, investigators found signs of a struggle and a piece of footwear believed to belong to the victim. His body, partially concealed in the swamp, showed evidence of severe gunshot trauma.

Richard, a native of Amassoma in Southern Ijaw LGA and father of two, served as the Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Consultants Association of Bayelsa State. He was last seen on July 24, 2025, after leaving his home in Yenagoa. His wife raised the alarm around 2 a.m. the next day when he failed to return.

Suspicious Messages Sent from Victim’s Phone

Family members told investigators that unusual WhatsApp messages were later sent from Richard’s phone, claiming he was safe and urging his wife not to worry. One message indicated he would send money via a PoS operator instead of his usual direct transfer; ₦15,300 was reportedly sent to a contact. The messages also referenced alleged debts of ₦9 million and ₦3 million owed to colleagues in the real estate sector.

Detectives believe the messages were sent by Richard’s abductors to mislead the family and delay search and rescue efforts.

Eyewitnesses Describe Abduction

Eyewitness accounts suggest two young men driving a blue Honda V-Boot dragged Richard into the forest near the NDDC IDP Camp Road. Moments later, residents heard two gunshots. The suspects allegedly fled in Richard’s Toyota Matrix, which is still missing.

Police Investigation Underway

Sources within the Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that the Homicide Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is now leading the probe. Investigators are reportedly exploring two main leads:

A possible business dispute linked to his real estate dealings.
Potential connections to cybercrime or money laundering.

Police have appealed for information from the public and urged calm as the investigation progresses.