Real Estate Mogul Found In Forest After He Was Declared Missing

The Bayelsa State Police Command has verified the discovery of the deceased body of Ekpeboh Richard, a prominent real estate figure who had been reported missing several days earlier.

As reported by Vanguard, members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) found his decomposing remains around 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, within a swampy forest located between the NDDC IDP Camp Road and Otuokpoti in Ogbia Local Government Area.

Initial findings suggest that Richard was fatally shot in the head at close range in an execution-style killing, with his body subsequently abandoned in the forest.

The deceased, originally from Amassoma in Southern Ijaw LGA and a 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 departing from his residence. His wife raised concerns around 2 a.m. the next day when he did not return home.

Family sources revealed that suspicious WhatsApp messages were later sent from his phone, stating he was fine and urging his wife not to worry. One message indicated he would send money via a PoS operator rather than his usual direct transfers, and N15,300 was reportedly sent. The messages also mentioned outstanding debts of N9 million and N3 million allegedly owed to colleagues in the real estate industry.

Further investigation confirmed that these messages were sent by his abductors in a deliberate effort to deceive the family and hinder rescue operations.

According to sources, two young men in a blue Honda V-Boot were observed dragging Richard into the forest. Shortly afterward, two gunshots were heard. The suspects fled the scene, escaping in Richard’s stolen Toyota Matrix.

At the crime scene, police found evidence of a struggle. A piece of footwear, believed to belong to the deceased, was discovered nearby. His body, partially hidden in the swamp, bore signs of severe gunshot trauma to the head.

Sources within the Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that the Homicide Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is now overseeing the investigation. Two primary theories are being pursued: a potential business dispute or possible connections to cybercrime or money laundering.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli