Operatives of the anti-cultism unit, Emohua annex of the Rivers State police command, have arrested a suspected kidnapper, Goodnews Iberi, over the killing of a victim, Rita Eleonu, despite receiving ₦210,000 ransom from her family.

The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on Monday, said the suspect, along with four other accomplices now at large, kidnapped the victim in Emohua Local Government Area and took her to an evil forest along the East/West Road, where she was killed.

Mrs Iringe-Koko said the command, “in a bold and coordinated operation, has arrested one Goodnews Iberi, a 26-year-old native of Rumuakunde Community in Emohua LGA, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Rita Special Eleonu, a 25-year-old female from Rumuekini Community in Obio Akpor LGA, following a distress report on December 29, 2025, by the victim’s brother (name withheld).”

She added, “Recalled that on December 13, 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 after collecting the sum of Two Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦210,000.00.) in ransom from the victim’s family before murdering her.”

According to her, “Acting on this distressing, but credible piece of information, Operatives of the Command attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) Emohua annex, utilizing intelligence-led Policing, arrested Iberi on January 8, 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.”

Stating that the suspect led operatives to recover the victim’s decomposing remains from the forest and deposited them at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) morgue for autopsy, the command said an in-depth investigation has been launched, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, while commending the diligence and swift action of the operatives in apprehending the suspect, encouraged the public to maintain trust in the police and support the command with intelligence that can enhance prompt response and strengthen the collective fight against crime.

He also urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities, as well as provide credible information that can aid in the arrest of other members of the syndicate.