The Rivers State Police Command apprehends a wanted kidnapper and murder suspect, recovering decomposing remains of a victim in the ‘evil forest’
Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
In a relentless and dogged fight against violent crimes, the Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough, the command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and murderer of a 25 years old lady lured, killed and buried in a shallow grave in an evil forest in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest followed a distress report on December 29, 2025, by the victim’s brother (name withheld).
The suspect, identified as Goodnews Iberi, a 26-year-old native of Rumuakunde Community in Emohua LGA, was arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Rita Special Eleonu, a 25-year-old woman from Rumuekini Community in Obio/Akpor LGA.
Police investigations revealed that Rita was allegedly lured on December 13, 2025, by the suspect and four accomplices, who are currently at large, to the Rumuakunde axis of Emohua under false pretences.
Shortly after arriving at the location, the victim was reportedly abducted and forcefully taken to a remote forest area along the East–West Road in Emohua, a location described by investigators as an “evil forest” notorious for criminal activities.
According to police findings, the suspects contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom, eventually collecting the sum of ₦210,000 before carrying out the crime.
Acting on credible and intelligence driven information, operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, launched a coordinated operation to track down those responsible.
The operation culminated in the arrest of Iberi on January 8, 2026, at about 6:30am when officers stormed his hideout after days of discreet surveillance.
During preliminary interrogation, police said the suspect voluntarily confessed to his role in the kidnapping and murder, providing details of how the crime was executed.
The suspect further implicated four other accomplices, whom he identified as members of the same criminal syndicate, prompting an expanded manhunt by security operatives.
In a dramatic development, Iberi reportedly led police operatives to the forest where the victim’s decomposing remains were recovered.
The remains were subsequently removed and deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted to aid further investigations.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju commended the professionalism, diligence and swift response of the operatives involved in cracking the case.
CP Adepoju reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to continue to trust and support police operations through timely and credible information.
He also called on citizens to remain calm and vigilant, while encouraging anyone with useful intelligence on the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects to report to the nearest police station as efforts intensify to dismantle the entire criminal network.
Similarly in a no hiding place for criminals gang in rivers state by the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State maintaining his stand.
A high-profile suspected Kidnapper has been arrested by the command.
Anti-Cultism Unit, (ACU) of Rivers State Police Command attached to Emohua Annex, on January 10, 2026 acting on credible intelligence, intercepted and apprehended Mohammed Ibrahim, a 30-year-old male and native of Numan LGA of Adamawa State, in connection with a string of kidnapping operations for ransom in Rivers State.
The Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Grace Iringe Koko has said that Mr Ibrahim who has been terrorizing the Port-Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa, Rivers State, was apprehended by the Police Operatives as he was planning to relocate his operational armoury and camp to Agbonchia/Oyigbo Road in Eleme LGA.
A search of the suspect led to the recovery of the following exhibits:
* One (1) AK-47 rifle, with breach NO. 2125,
* Two (2) magazines loaded with Thirty-Six (36) rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm live ammunition.
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to being the ring leader of a kidnapping syndicate in multiple operations within Rivers State.
“The suspect and exhibits are currently in Police custody, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of his gang and recover additional operational weapons” CSP Iringe stated.
Again CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has commended the Operatives for their diligence and swift action in apprehending the suspect. The Commissioner further noted that this breakthrough demonstrates the Rivers State Police Command’s resolve to tackle violent crimes and bring perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law, as there will be no hiding place for criminal elements, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, while assuring the public of the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.
