Edith CHUKU
The Rivers State Police command said it has arrested two suspects, allegedly involved in the kidnap of a 24-year-old woman, an incident that occured on September 21, 2025, at the Igbo-Etche axis of Etche Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Irinke-Koko, in a statement on Wednesday, revealed the identities of the suspects to be; a 25 years old Mr Ifeanyi Chukwu Alozie, from Okomoko, said to be residing at Ndimasi Farm Road, Igbo-Etche and 25 years old Mr Miracle Nwimene from Zakpo, in Khana Local Government Area but resident at Umuagagu Etche.
Irinke-Koko stated that during preliminary interrogation, both suspects voluntarily confessed to their involvement in the crime, as well as, revealed bow they lured the victim through a dating site to Igbo-Etche, where she was kidnapped.
She said the victim’s family paid a ransom of N200,000 to secure her release.
According to her, “following actionable intelligence on September 22, 2025, operatives of the command attached to the special operations and intelligence team (SOIT) sprang into action, trailing the suspects to their hideout in Egwi, Etche, at about 2200hrs and arrested them.
“During the preliminary interrogation, both suspects voluntarily confessed to their involvement in the crime, revealing that they lured the victim through a dating site to Igbo Etche, where she was kidnapped.
“Despite the pressure from our relentless pursuit, the suspects (abductors) managed to collect a ransom of two hundred thousand naira (₦200,000.) from her relatives before releasing the victim.”
She confirmed that, “suspects are currently in police custody, investigation is ongoing, and efforts are intensified to arrest other suspects at large.
“The victim has been debriefed and reunited with her family. The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A Adepoju, commends the bravery and dedication of the operatives in apprehending the suspects, assuring the public of the command’s commitment to ensuring their safety and security.
“He urges citizens to exercise caution when engaging in online dating, highlighting the potential risks associated with such platforms.”
