The Rivers State Police Command has recovered the body of a 25-year-old woman, Rita Special Eleonu, who was kidnapped and murdered, and has arrested one suspect in connection with the crime.

The Command confirmed the arrest of Goodnews Iberi, a 26-year-old native of Rumuakunde Community in Emohua Local Government Area, following a distress report filed on December 29, 2025, by the victim’s brother.

Briefing journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said investigations revealed that the suspect, alongside four accomplices who are currently at large, lured the victim from her community in Rumuekini, Obio Akpor Local Government Area, to Rumuakunde in Emohua on December 13, 2025.

According to the police, Rita was kidnapped after arriving in the area and later taken to a secluded forest along the East–West Road in Emohua, where she was eventually killed. CSP Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspects collected a ransom of ₦210,000 from the victim’s family before carrying out the crime.

She said operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit, Emohua Annex, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Iberi on January 8, 2026, at about 6:30 a.m. at his hideout.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the kidnapping and murder and provided useful information that implicated four other members of the syndicate.

The suspect subsequently led police operatives to the location where the victim’s remains were recovered. The body has been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital morgue for autopsy.

CSP Iringe-Koko said the suspect remains in police custody while an intensive investigation is ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing accomplices.

The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response, describing the arrest as a significant step in the fight against violent crime in the state.

He urged members of the public to continue to trust the police and to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information that can aid investigations and arrests.

The police further called on residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across Rivers State.