By Omoniyi David
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Goodnews Iberi, in connection with the kidnapping and killing of a 25-year-old woman, Rita Eleonu, after her family paid a ₦210,000 ransom.
Iberi, an indigene of Rumuakunde community in Emohua Local Government Area, was arrested following investigations into the victim’s disappearance. Eleonu was from Rumuekini community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspect and his accomplices, who are still at large, allegedly lured the victim to a forest along the Emohua axis of the East–West Road.
Police said the suspects demanded and received ransom from the family but had already killed the woman before contacting them. Iberi was arrested at his hideout on January 8, 2026, and reportedly confessed during interrogation, leading officers to the location where the victim’s remains were recovered.
SP Iringe-Koko said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang, assuring that all those involved would be brought to justice.
