…Investigations by the Rivers State Police Command revealed that Rita was lured under the guise of a social invitation.
RIVERS, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Police in Rivers State have arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the kidnapping, murder, and disposal of a young woman, whose remains were found in a forest. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across Emohua Community in Emohua Local Government Area, underscores the growing concern over violent crimes in the region.
The victim, identified as Rita Eleonu, was a 25-year-old woman originally from Rundele Community in Emohua LGA but resided at Rumuekini in Obio/Akpor LGA. Investigations by the Rivers State Police Command revealed that Rita was lured under the guise of a social invitation. The connection that facilitated the crime was a close friend of Rita, one Miss Blessing, who inadvertently played a role in her friend’s tragic demise.
It was gathered that Blessing had posted a photograph of Rita on her WhatsApp status to celebrate her birthday. Unknown to Blessing, her brother, Goodnews Iberi, who viewed the birthday post, seized the opportunity to plan the abduction. Reports indicate that Goodnews requested his sister to invite Rita for what appeared to be an innocent social engagement. Following this arrangement, Rita, unaware of the impending danger, visited the designated location in Emohua LGA. Tragically, this visit would lead to her untimely death.
According to preliminary findings, Rita was kidnapped upon arrival by Goodnews and a group of accomplices. Shockingly, the criminals presented false information to Blessing, claiming that Rita failed to show up for the arranged meeting, effectively concealing the gravity of the crime from her. Disturbingly, the suspect later contacted Blessing to demand a ransom, even after having already killed Rita, demonstrating a chilling level of premeditation and callousness.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the arrest in a statement released from their headquarters in Port Harcourt. The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, provided further insight into the case, highlighting the coordinated efforts that led to the suspect’s apprehension.
According to Iringe-Koko, the victim was initially declared missing on December 13, 2025. The police acted promptly following a report made on December 29, 2025, by the victim’s brother, which described the circumstances surrounding Rita’s disappearance. The report prompted an immediate investigation, with officers employing intelligence-led policing strategies to track down the perpetrators.
Iringe-Koko stated: “The Rivers State Police Command, in a bold and coordinated operation, has arrested one Goodnews Iberi, a 26-year-old native of Rumuakunde Community in Emohua LGA, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Rita Eleonu, a 25-year-old female from Rumuekini Community in Obio Akpor LGA, following a distress report filed on December 29, 2025, by the victim’s brother.”
The statement further revealed that the tragic events began on December 13, when Goodnews and four accomplices, who are still at large, lured Rita to Rumuakunde axis in Emohua LGA. The group abducted her and transported her to a secluded forest along the East/West Road in Emohua. After initially extorting a ransom of N210,000 from the victim’s family, the criminals proceeded to kill her, highlighting a disturbing combination of greed and cruelty.
The operation that led to the arrest of Goodnews was conducted by operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) Emohua annex. Acting on credible intelligence, officers successfully located and apprehended Iberi on January 8, 2026, at approximately 6:30 a.m. in his hideout.
“The preliminary investigation conducted so far indicates that Goodnews Iberi did not act alone. He executed the crime alongside other unidentified accomplices,” Iringe-Koko explained. She further added that the decapitated remains of Rita have been deposited at a mortuary, and the case continues to be under thorough investigation to bring all suspects to justice.
Sources within the community expressed outrage and sorrow over the incident, describing the crime as “inhumane and horrifying.” Residents lamented that such acts of violence not only devastate individual families but also threaten the overall sense of security within Emohua LGA and surrounding communities. Families of victims in similar cases have often called for stronger protective measures and faster police responses to prevent recurrences of such brutal acts.
The Rivers State Police Command emphasized its commitment to ensuring that justice is served. Officers are actively pursuing the other four accomplices believed to have played direct roles in the kidnapping and murder. The police also reassured residents that heightened vigilance and continuous intelligence gathering remain central to their strategy in curbing violent crimes and apprehending perpetrators.
Grace Iringe-Koko further urged members of the public to assist the police by providing any information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects. She reiterated that community cooperation is vital in combating violent crime, particularly in areas where organized criminal elements operate with impunity.
The case has drawn significant attention across social and traditional media platforms, with many expressing concern over the brazenness of the perpetrators. Experts have pointed out that the targeting of individuals through social media interactions, as seen in this case, represents a growing trend in criminal behavior, highlighting the need for increased digital awareness and caution.
Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities have also pledged to provide support to the victim’s family, ensuring that they are kept informed of developments as the investigation progresses. The tragic killing of Rita Eleonu underscores the importance of rapid police intervention, community awareness, and proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals in the state.
As the Rivers State Police continue their investigation, the arrest of Goodnews Iberi stands as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice. However, the incident also serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threats posed by criminal networks in the region and the urgent need for coordinated strategies between law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and the public to safeguard lives.
The command has assured the public that it will leave no stone unturned in bringing all culprits to justice and that similar cases will be promptly addressed to prevent a recurrence of such violent acts.
