George Idumangi, the prime suspect in the murder of Bayelsa estate agent Richard Ekpebu, allegedly attempted to bribe security operatives with N4 million but was turned down.
He was arrested on Monday in Lagos by immigration officers when he went to collect his international passport, following a joint operation involving the Nigerian Immigration Service, Operation Puff Adder of the Bayelsa State Police Command, and the Area E Police Command, Lagos.
Security sources revealed that Idumangi initially offered N4 million to immigration officers to avoid being handed over to the police. He also allegedly offered N2 million to delete a file from his new mobile phone and later raised the offer to N3 million for the phone to be destroyed. The officers rejected all attempts.
When men of Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, arrived in Lagos to secure the suspect, he reportedly made a similar offer, which was again turned down. His mobile phone and international passport are currently in police custody.
Other suspects linked to the crime include Victor Shadrack (popularly known as Doggy), a man identified as Insurance, and Miss Victory Benard Henry, who allegedly received N1 million for her role.
The spokesman of the Bayelsa State Police Command, SP Musa Mohammed, confirmed that the suspect attempted to bribe officers, but they refused.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, led by Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, expressed shock over the alleged involvement of some of its members in the murder. Lokpobiri condemned the act, reaffirming the IYC’s commitment to peace, justice, and development. He also urged members of the public to support the police in ensuring justice for the victim.
Adapted from Punch Newspaper.
