The Rivers State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in a chilling case of kidnapping and murder that has unsettled communities in the state. Authorities have arrested a 26-year-old man, Goodnews Iberi, linked to the abduction and killing of 25-year-old Rita Special Eleonu.
Details of the Abduction and Tragic Outcome
The victim, Rita Special Eleonu, a native of Rumuekini Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, was reportedly kidnapped in December 2025. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Grace Iringe-Koko, the arrest followed a distress report filed by the victim's brother on December 29, 2025.
Investigations revealed that on December 13, 2025, Iberi and four other accomplices, who are currently at large, lured Eleonu to the Rumuakunde area of Emohua LGA. She was then taken to a forest along the East-West Road in Emohua, which police have described as an "evil forest."
In a cruel twist, the kidnappers demanded and received a ransom of ₦210,000 from the victim's family. Despite the payment, the suspects murdered Rita Eleonu.
Arrest, Confession, and Recovery of Remains
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, tracked down and arrested Goodnews Iberi at his hideout on January 8, 2026, at about 6:30 a.m.
CSP Iringe-Koko stated that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime. He detailed his role and implicated four other accomplices. Following his confession, Iberi led police operatives to the forest where the decomposing remains of Rita Eleonu were recovered.
The remains have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) morgue for an autopsy. The suspect is currently in police custody as an in-depth investigation continues. Efforts are actively underway to apprehend the other fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Police Commendation and Call for Public Vigilance
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their diligence and professionalism in tracking down the suspect. He encouraged the public to maintain trust in police operations and to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to enhance prompt responses to crime.
CSP Iringe-Koko further urged residents to remain calm but vigilant. She advised the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to the police, assuring that information leading to the arrest of the remaining suspects would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
