Police Recover Kidnap Victim’s Corpse, Arrest Suspect in Rivers
Police Recover Kidnap Victim’s Corpse, Arrest Suspect in Rivers
Police in Rivers State have arrested 26-year-old Goodnews Iberi in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Rita Special Eleonu, a 25-year-old woman from the Rumuekini Community.
The arrest was made on January 8, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit following a missing person report filed by the victim’s brother in late December. During preliminary interrogation, Iberi reportedly confessed to the crime and identified four accomplices who helped him lure the victim to the Rumuakunde axis of Emohua.
Investigations revealed that the victim was lured to the area on December 13, 2025, where she was abducted and taken to a forest along the East-West Road. Despite the suspects successfully collecting a ransom of ₦210,000 from the family, they proceeded to kill her. Following his confession, the suspect led police operatives into the forest where they recovered her decomposing remains, which have since been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) morgue for an autopsy.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace-Iringe Koko, stated that the breakthrough was achieved through intelligence-led policing. While Iberi remains in custody, a massive manhunt has been launched to apprehend the four remaining members of the syndicate who are currently at large.
The police emphasized that an in-depth investigation is ongoing to ensure all parties involved face the full weight of the law.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended his officers for their swift action and diligence in handling the case. He urged members of the public to stay vigilant and continue supporting the police with credible information to help curb criminal activities in the state.
He also reassured citizens that the command is committed to bringing the fleeing suspects to justice.
