Rivers Police Arrest Suspect in Abduction and Murder of Young Woman in Emohua LGA

The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended 26-year-old Goodnews Iberi in connection with the abduction and killing of 25-year-old Rita Special Eleonu in Emohua Local Government Area.

Eleonu, a resident of Rundele Community, went missing in December 2025. Her brother reported the case to the police on December 29, 2025, prompting an investigation that led to Iberi’s arrest.

Police investigations revealed that on December 13, 2025, Iberi and four accomplices, who remain at large, allegedly lured Eleonu to Rumuakunde Community. She was kidnapped and taken to a forest along the East/West Road in Emohua. Despite her relatives paying a ransom of ₦210,000, the victim was killed.

Based on credible intelligence, officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua annex, arrested Iberi on January 8, 2026, at approximately 6:30 a.m. in his hideout.

During initial questioning, Iberi reportedly confessed to the crime and led officers to the forest where Eleonu’s decaying remains were recovered. The body was transported to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary for autopsy.

The suspect remains in police custody while investigators work to apprehend the remaining members of the gang. Authorities are emphasizing the use of intelligence-led policing to dismantle the syndicate.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the swift response of officers and urged the public to continue providing credible information to help prevent crime and enhance community safety.