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Rivers State Police Arrest Suspect Linked to Kidnapping and Murder
The Rivers State Police Command has detained Goodnews Iberi, a 26-year-old from Rumuakunde Community in Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), in connection with the abduction and killing of 25-year-old Rita Special Eleonu of Rumuekini Community, Obio Akpor LGA. The arrest was made following a distress call on December 29, 2025, from the victim’s brother, whose identity remains protected for security reasons.
Incident Overview and Investigation Progress
Police reports reveal that on December 13, 2025, Iberi, alongside four unidentified accomplices still at large, deceived Rita into traveling to Rumuakunde in Emohua LGA. She was then forcibly taken to a secluded forested area along the East/West Road, where she was held captive. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦210,000 from her family, which was paid before the victim was tragically murdered.
Capture and Confession of the Suspect
Utilizing intelligence-led policing tactics, officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) at the Emohua annex tracked down and apprehended Iberi on January 8, 2026, at around 6:30 AM in his hideout. During interrogation, Iberi confessed to his role in the crime and provided details implicating his four accomplices, who remain at large.
Recovery of the Victim’s Body and Continuing Investigation
Following Iberi’s confession, law enforcement recovered the decomposed remains of Rita from the forest location. The body was transported to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) morgue for forensic analysis. Iberi is currently in custody as police intensify efforts to apprehend the other suspects and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the case.
Wider Security Concerns and Response Measures
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges posed by kidnapping and violent crimes in Rivers State, where criminal groups exploit vulnerable populations. Recent statistics from the Nigerian Police Force indicate a 15% increase in kidnapping cases across the Niger Delta region over the past year, highlighting the critical need for strengthened security frameworks and community cooperation.
Law enforcement agencies are increasingly relying on intelligence-driven operations, similar to the strategy that led to Iberi’s arrest, to disrupt criminal networks and enhance public safety in affected communities.
