Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Port Harcourt, Rivers State — The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 26‑year‑old man, Goodnews Iberi, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 25‑year‑old Rita Special Eleonu, after her family paid a ransom of ₦210,000 in an effort to secure her release, police and media reports confirm.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe‑Koko, the victim — a native of Rumuekini Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area — was abducted on 13 December 2025 after being lured by her assailants to the Rumuakunde axis of Emohua Local Government Area. Rita was taken into a forest along the East–West Road in Emohua, where the kidnappers demanded ransom from her family.
In a desperate bid to secure her freedom, relatives of the victim paid a total of ₦210,000 to the kidnappers, but the suspects allegedly murdered her despite receiving the payment. Police described the crime scene as an “evil forest,” where the victim’s body was later concealed.
Acting on a distress report filed by the victim’s brother on 29 December 2025, operatives attached to the Anti‑Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, deployed intelligence‑led policing strategies and arrested Iberi on 8 January 2026 at about 6:30 a.m. at his hideout. During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly voluntarily confessed to his role in the crime and implicated four other accomplices, who are currently at large.
Following his confession, Iberi led police operatives to the forest location where the victim’s decomposing remains were recovered. The body was subsequently deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) morgue for autopsy and further forensic examination.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that an in‑depth investigation has been launched, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate involved in the kidnapping and murder. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju praised the diligence and professionalism of the operatives involved in the investigation, emphasizing the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and to provide credible information that could aid in the arrest of the fleeing suspects, assuring the public that such information would be treated with confidentiality and acted upon swiftly.
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