Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Goodnews Iberi, in connection with the kidnapping and killing of a 25-year-old woman, Rita Eleonu, in a case that has shocked communities in the state and renewed concerns over violent crime along major transport corridors.
Iberi, who hails from Rumuakunde community in Emohua Local Government Area, was apprehended following sustained investigations into the disappearance of Eleonu, who was reported missing by her family weeks earlier. The victim was a native of Rumuekini community in Obio Akpor Local Government Area.
Confirming the arrest, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect acted in concert with other accomplices who are currently at large. According to the police, the suspects allegedly lured Eleonu to a forested area along the Emohua axis of the East–West Road, under false pretences, where the crime was carried out.
Police findings indicate that after abducting the young woman, the gang contacted her family and demanded a ransom for her release. Acting in desperation and hope, the family reportedly paid ₦210,000, believing it would secure her freedom. Investigators later established that, unknown to the family, Eleonu had already been killed by her abductors before the ransom was paid.
SP Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspects allegedly buried the victim in a shallow grave within the forest, apparently in an attempt to conceal the crime. The case took a decisive turn in the early hours of January 8, 2026, when police operatives tracked Iberi to his hideout and arrested him.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the kidnapping and killing. Police said he subsequently led investigators to the forest location where the remains of Rita Eleonu were recovered, bringing a painful closure to weeks of uncertainty for her family.
The discovery of the victim’s remains has deepened grief among relatives and residents of both Rumuekini and Emohua communities, where news of the killing has triggered shock and anger. Community members have called for justice and stronger security measures to prevent similar crimes, particularly along the East–West Road corridor, which has increasingly been associated with criminal activities.
The Rivers State Police Command described the crime as “heinous and heartbreaking,” assuring the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang involved in the incident. Investigators are also working to establish whether the suspects are linked to other kidnapping cases in the area.
The police reiterated their commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crimes across the state, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies. They also warned criminal elements that Rivers State will not be a safe haven for perpetrators of violent crime.
As investigations continue, the suspect remains in custody and is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of the police inquiry. For the family of Rita Eleonu, however, the arrest offers little comfort amid the pain of a life cut short, as they continue to seek justice for their daughter.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments