Kidnappers Kill 25-year-old Lady after Collecting N210,000 Ransom from Family

A gang of kidnappers have killed a 25-year-old lady, Rita Eleonu after collecting a ransom of N210,000 from her family, shortly after she was abducted from her Rumuekini community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state.

Reports shows that Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko who confirmed the development, however, disclosed that a 26-year-old suspect, Goodnews Iberi, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing.

We further reports that Iringe-Koko, a chief superintendent of police, said the arrested suspect and four other accomplices lured the victim to Rumuakundu community in Emohua Local Government Area, where she was kidnapped.

“Iberi and his accomplices, who are still at large, took the victim to their camp in a forest along the East-West Road in Emohua. After contacting the family and collecting a ransom of N210,000, the suspects murdered her,” she said.

We also reports that Iringe-Koko explained that operatives of the command’s Anti-Cultism Unit took over the investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding Eleonu’s disappearance.

The police spokesperson said that through intelligence-led policing, operatives arrested Iberi at his hideout at about 6:30 a.m. on January 8, 2026, adding that during investigation he confessed to the crime

“During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime, providing detailed information about his role and implicating four other suspects who are currently at large,” she added.

We also reports that she stated that the suspect later led police operatives to the forest where the decomposing remains of the victim were recovered and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

Meanwhile, the police imagemaker added that the suspect remained in police custody, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnap syndicate.