Police Arrest Suspect in Kidnapping and Murder Case in Rivers State

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Goodnews Iberi, for the alleged kidnapping and killing of a 25-year-old woman, Rita Eleonu.

According to a statement by Police Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, the victim was lured by Iberi and four accomplices who remain at large along the Emuoha axis of the East-West Road in December 2025. After her family paid a ransom of ₦210,000, the suspects killed Eleonu and buried her in a shallow grave.

Following a distress call, operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit arrested Iberi on January 8, 2026. The suspect reportedly confessed and led police to the forest where the victim’s remains were recovered.

Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju commended the operatives for their swift action and urged the public to report suspicious activities, assuring confidentiality for informants. An investigation is ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.