Rivers State Police arrested Goodnews Iberi for kidnapping and killing Rita Eleonu, recovering her remains and investigating accomplices at large.
The Rivers State Police Command has successfully apprehended a suspect, Goodnews Iberi, aged 26, in connection with the kidnapping and killing of a 25-year-old woman, Rita Eleonu, highlighting the commitment of the state’s security agencies to tackling violent crimes.
The arrest comes after a thorough investigation into the disappearance of Eleonu, who hails from Rumuekini community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, while the suspect is a native of Rumuakunde community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the spokesperson for the Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspect, along with four accomplices who are still at large, allegedly lured the victim on December 13, 2025, to a secluded area along the East–West Road in Emohua.
The group reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦210,000 from the victim’s family, who paid the amount in a desperate attempt to secure her release.
Unknown to the family, the gang allegedly killed Eleonu and buried her in a shallow grave within a forested area.
SP Iringe-Koko emphasized that the Rivers State Police Command launched an intelligence-led operation under the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) of Emohua to track down the suspect.
This operation culminated in the arrest of Iberi in his hideout at around 6:30 a.m. on January 8, 2026.
During questioning, Iberi reportedly confessed to the crime and provided information that implicated his accomplices, identifying their roles in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of the young woman.
He also guided police operatives to the location where the victim’s decomposing remains were recovered.
The recovered remains were taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary for proper autopsy procedures.
SP Iringe-Koko further revealed that a full-scale investigation has been launched to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate and to determine the extent of their criminal network.
The Rivers State Police Command assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in bringing all those responsible to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the officers for their swift and coordinated response in tracking and arresting the suspect.
He emphasized that the operation reflects the dedication of the Rivers State Police to ensuring the safety of residents and to addressing criminal activities promptly.
CP Adepoju also encouraged residents to continue supporting law enforcement by providing credible information about suspicious activities or individuals, stressing that such cooperation is vital in enhancing public safety across the state.
He assured the public that the identities of anyone who provides useful intelligence will be protected with the utmost confidentiality.
Adepoju urged Rivers residents to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and assist the police in the arrest of the accomplices still at large.
According to him, community cooperation is crucial in dismantling criminal syndicates that threaten peace and security in Rivers State.
The Rivers State Police have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy for violent crimes, including kidnapping and murder.
This case, which has drawn significant public attention, underscores the need for citizens to be proactive in reporting criminal behavior to the authorities.
Police officials have also highlighted that continuous awareness campaigns and intelligence sharing between residents and law enforcement can significantly reduce incidents of violent crime in the state.
This arrest also brings into focus the wider issue of kidnapping in Rivers State, a crime that has increasingly endangered lives and disrupted communities.
The Police Command stated that intelligence-led policing, combined with community collaboration, has proven effective in solving complex cases, as demonstrated in the swift arrest of Goodnews Iberi.
Residents are urged to remain alert and promptly report any unusual activities, particularly in remote or forested areas, to help prevent future tragedies.
The Rivers State Police Command also reaffirmed their commitment to a thorough investigation, promising that all members of the syndicate, including those who facilitated the kidnapping and murder, will be apprehended.
The Command encouraged families to remain calm and to trust the police in handling cases involving violent crimes and kidnappings, emphasizing that the authorities are actively working to restore public confidence in security measures throughout Rivers State.
The arrest of Iberi serves as a reminder that criminal acts, regardless of planning or execution, can be traced and punished when law enforcement agencies work efficiently and collaboratively with local communities.
Rivers State residents are urged to continue their support of police operations, which play a crucial role in maintaining law and order.
By providing credible tips and information, community members can significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of crime and ensuring that perpetrators face justice.
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