The Rivers State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in a chilling case of kidnapping and murder, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a victim's remains from a shallow grave.
Suspect Confesses to Heinous Crime
Goodnews Iberi, a 26-year-old native of Rumuakunde community in Emohua Local Government Area, is now in police custody. He was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of 25-year-old Rita Special Eleonu from Rumuekini community in Obio Akpor LGA.
The arrest followed a distress report made by the victim's brother on December 29, 2025. According to police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Iberi was apprehended in his hideout in the early hours of January 8, 2026, by operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) Emohua annexe.
Decomposing Body Exhumed from 'Evil Forest'
Investigations revealed a gruesome sequence of events. On December 13, 2025, Iberi and four accomplices, who are currently at large, lured Rita Eleonu to the Rumuakunde axis in Emohua LGA.
The gang kidnapped the young woman and took her to a location described as an 'evil forest' along the Emuoha axis of the East-West Road. They subsequently contacted her family and demanded a ransom.
The family, in a desperate bid to secure her freedom, paid the sum of Two Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (N210,000). Tragically, the suspects murdered Rita Eleonu after receiving the payment and buried her body in a shallow grave within the forest.
During interrogation, Iberi confessed to his role in the crime and led police operatives to the forest. The decomposing remains of the victim were exhumed and have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) morgue for an autopsy.
Police Launch Manhunt for Fleeing Accomplices
The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has commended the diligence and swift action of the operatives involved in the investigation and arrest. He assured the public that an in-depth investigation is ongoing.
CP Adepoju stated that concerted efforts are being made to apprehend the other four members of the criminal syndicate who are currently on the run. He encouraged citizens to remain calm and vigilant, while also urging anyone with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects to come forward.
The Commissioner reiterated the Command's commitment to protecting the identities of informants with utmost confidentiality. He called for continued public trust in police operations and support through the provision of timely intelligence to strengthen the collective fight against crime in Rivers State.
