The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 26-year-old man, Goodnews Iberi, over the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 25-year-old woman, Rita Special Eleonu, whose family paid N210,000 in ransom in a failed attempt to secure her freedom.
Police investigations revealed that the victim, an indigene of Rumuekini Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, was deceived by the suspect and four others into travelling to Rumuakunde Community in Emohua LGA on 13 December, 2025.
She was subsequently seized and taken to a remote forest along the East–West Road, where she was later killed.
The Command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, said the incident was reported to the police on 29 December, 2025, by the victim’s brother after efforts to locate her proved unsuccessful.
Acting on intelligence, operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit at the Emohua division arrested Iberi in the early hours of 8 January, 2026, at his hideout.
The suspect reportedly made a voluntary confession during questioning, admitting his role in the crime and identifying four accomplices who are currently evading arrest.
According to the police, Iberi led officers to the forest where the remains of the deceased were discovered in a decomposed state. The body was evacuated and deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.
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The police said the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue, adding that a manhunt has been launched for other members of the gang involved in the crime.
Commending the officers for their prompt action, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju, reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes. He urged members of the public to stay alert and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the fleeing suspects.
The Command also appealed to residents to promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal acts in the state.
