The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Goodnews Iberi, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 25-year-old woman, Rita Special Eleonu, in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
Iberi, a native of Rumuakunde Community, was arrested following investigations into the disappearance and death of Eleonu, who hails from Rundele Community, also in Emohua LGA.
According to the police, the case was reported on December 29, 2025, by the victim’s brother, whose name was withheld.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said investigations showed that on December 13, 2025, the suspect and four accomplices, who are currently at large, allegedly lured the victim to Rumuakunde community, abducted her, and later took her to a forest along the East/West Road in Emohua.
The police said the suspects collected a ransom of N210,000 from the victim’s family but still went ahead to kill her.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit, ACU, Emohua annex, arrested Iberi on January 8, 2026, following credible intelligence.
She said the suspect admitted involvement in the crime during initial questioning.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect subsequently led officers to the location where the victim’s decomposing remains were recovered and taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH, mortuary for autopsy.
Iringe-Koko said the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue and efforts are intensified to arrest other members of the gang.
“Acting on this distressing, but credible piece of information, Operatives of the Command attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) Emohua annex, utilizing intelligence-led Policing, arrested Iberi on January 8, 2026, at about 0630hrs in his hide out.
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime, highlighting his role and further Incriminating four other accomplices.
“The suspect led Police Operatives to where the victim’s decomposing remains have been recovered from the forest and deposited at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Morgue for autopsy.
“The suspect is currently in Police custody and an in-depth investigation has been launched, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of his syndicate.”
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the operatives for their swift response and urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible information to aid crime prevention and enhance public safety across the state.