Missing Bayelsa Real Estate Mogul Found Dead in Swamp, Shot Execution-Style

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

According to Vanguard, officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) located Richard’s decomposing remains 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.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Richard was shot at close range in an execution-style killing, and his body dumped in the forest. The crime scene bore signs of a violent struggle, including a single shoe believed to be his, and severe gunshot wounds to the head.

Richard, a father of two and Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Consultants Association of Bayelsa State, was last seen on July 24, 2025, after leaving his home. His wife raised an alarm in the early hours of July 25 when he failed to return.

Family sources revealed that unusual WhatsApp messages were later sent from Richard’s phone, claiming he was safe and advising his wife not to worry. One message even suggested sending money via a PoS operator—N15,300 was transferred—instead of his usual direct bank method. The messages also referenced outstanding debts of N9 million and N3 million allegedly owed to associates in the real estate business.

However, investigators have since concluded that the messages were sent by his abductors to mislead the family and stall any search efforts.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing two young men in a blue Honda V-Boot dragging Richard into the forest. Shortly after, two gunshots were heard, and the suspects reportedly fled in the victim’s Toyota Matrix, which remains missing.

The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that the Homicide Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case. Investigators are focusing on two possible motives: a business-related dispute or connections to cybercrime or money laundering.

The investigation is ongoing.