The Rivers State Police Command has arrested one Goodnews Iberi, a kidnap and murder suspect, 26-year-old native of Rumuakunde Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The suspect was arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Rita Special Eleonu, a 25-year-old female from Rundele Community.
As stated in a press release by the state PPRO, the arrest by the police was a sequel to a distress report on 29 December, 2025, by the victim’s brother (name withheld).
It was recalled that, on 13 December, 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.
“Acting on this distressing, but credible piece of information, Operatives of the Command attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, utilising intelligence-led policing, arrested Iberi on 8 January, 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,” it was added in the release.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the diligence and swift action of the operatives in apprehending the suspect.
He encouraged the public to maintain trust in police operations and to support the Command with intelligence that can enhance prompt response and strengthen its collective fight against crime in all its manifestations.
Adepoju also 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.
