The Bayelsa State Police Command has recovered the body of a real estate businessman, Mr. Ekpeboh Richard, days after he was declared missing.
His remains were discovered with a gunshot wound to the head in a bush between an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp and Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area.
Police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) made the discovery around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, following intelligence gathered in collaboration with local youth groups.
Richard, who hailed from Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was the Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Consultants Association of Bayelsa State. He was married and had two children.
Family sources told PUNCH Metro that Richard left home on July 24 and never returned.
Concerned about his whereabouts, his wife reportedly began calling his phone in the early hours of the following day, but received no response.
Three days later, a message, allegedly from Richard, was sent via WhatsApp, claiming he was safe and asking not to be pressured.
Suspicion grew when he promised to send money to his wife through a Point of Sale (PoS) agent rather than directly to her account.
A sum of N15,300 was eventually sent to an agent. He also revealed in the chat that he owed two individuals N9 million and N3 million, respectively, both members of his professional association.
Police believed those behind the messages were not Richard but his abductors, using his phone to mislead his family.
Following a formal report by friends and colleagues, the RRS, led by CSP Bishop Elemide, launched an investigation.
Witnesses informed officers that two unidentified men in a blue Honda vehicle were seen dragging a man believed to be Richard into a nearby forest, after which two gunshots were heard.
The assailants reportedly fled the scene in the victim’s Toyota Matrix.
During a search of the area, police found evidence of a struggle, including a single footwear not far from where the body was discovered.
“The corpse was dumped in a swampy area, and the victim’s head was blown off by a gunshot,” an officer said.
A police source at the state headquarters disclosed that the Homicide Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) had begun probing two main leads, the possibility of a failed business transaction within the real estate association, or involvement in cybercrime or money laundering that turned sour.
“We are following strong leads and will ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” the source said, confirming that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the suspects.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Musa Mohammed, were unsuccessful as he is currently on leave.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, was said to be on official assignment as of press time.