Edith CHUKU
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has warned residents, especially ladies to desist from meeting online strangers in isolated or unfamiliar locations.
Adepoju gave this warning following the kidnap and rape of 24-year-old Miss Thomas Alice, who was lured to Igwuruta, from where she was subsequently taken to a bush in Ulakwo, in the Etche Local Government Area of the state.
The CP also charged ladies and job seekers to exercise extreme caution when interacting with individuals met online and inform trusted family members or friends of their movement.
Further, he expressed the need for residents to verify identities before physical meetings with online strangers, choose safe and public locations and remain vigilant at all time.
Adepoju also advised members of the public to promptly contact the police through the designated emergency lines in case of any suspicion or emergency requiring prompt intervention.
The CP stated this in a release on Sunday, by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Agabe Kaborlo Blessing, who just took over from Grace Irinke-Koko.
The statement revealed that one 24-year-old Mr Otamiri Prince, was arrested in connection with the victim’s kidnap and rape.
According to the Police, “following a report made on 11th April, 2026 by one Miss Thomas Alice aged 24 of Eliozu, Port Harcourt, the victim alleged that she was kidnapped on 3rd January, 2026 by an individual she met online.
“According to her statement, she was lured to Igwuruta, from where she was subsequently taken by accomplices to a bush in Ulakwo, Etche Local Government Area, where she was assaulted, raped and her valuables taken before she was later released.
“On receipt of the report, operatives of the command promptly commenced investigation, leveraging on technology-driven strategies of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aided the investigation and eventual arrest of the suspect, Otamiri Prince ‘m’ who confessed to the crime.
“Exhibits recovered from him include an iPhone, a wig suspected to belong to the victim and other valuables.”
The command assured that, “efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang as investigation continues, after which the suspect(s) will be charged to court.
“Your safety is paramount, stay alert and security conscious at all times.”
Meanwhile, the Police has made available emergency numbers for residents in case of emergencies requiring prompt police response.
The contacts are command response unit (CRU) 07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049. Control room 08032003514.
