Edith CHUKU
26 years old native of Rumuakunde Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Goodnews Iberi, has been arrested over his alleged involvement in the kidnap and murder of 25-year-old Rita Special Eleonu.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Irinke-Koko, disclosed on Monday, that the abductors killed the victim after collecting N210,000 as ransom from the family.
Brother of the victim who is from Rumuekini Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state reported the matter to the police.
Irinke-Koko revealed that “on December 13, 2025, the suspect and four of his accomplices, now at large, lured Rita to Rumuakunde axis in Emohua LGA, where she was kidnapped and later taken to an evil forest along the East/West Road in Emohua.
“The suspects collected the sum of two hundred and ten thousand naira (₦210,000.00.) in ransom from the victim’s family before murdering her.”
The Police spokesperson explained that “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.”
On his part, the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended what he described as the diligence and swift action of the operatives in apprehending the suspect.
Adepoju encouraged the public to maintain trust in Police operations and to support the command with intelligence that can enhance prompt response and strengthen our collective fight against crime in all its manifestations.
He further urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, and provide credible information that could aid in the arrest of other members of the syndicate to come forward and assist the Police.
