Rivers Police arrested a suspect for alleged kidnapping and assault on a female job seeker

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a young woman in the state.

The suspect, identified as Otamiri Prince, is said to have made contact with the victim online before arranging a physical meeting. However, what started out as a planned meeting reportedly turned into a criminal act involving kidnapping and assault.

Based on police findings, the victim was lured to Igwuruta and then taken by the suspect and his accomplice to a remote bush in a neighboring community, where the alleged crime took place.

The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, revealed details of the case in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has arrested one Prince Otamiri ‘M’, aged 24, in connection with an alleged kidnapping and rape case.”

It further stated, “Following a report made on April 11, 2026, by one Miss Thomas Alice (F), aged 24, of Eliozu, Port Harcourt, the victim alleged that she was kidnapped on January 3, 2026 by someone she met online.”

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Providing further details, the police said, “According to her statement, she was lured to Igwuruta, from where she was then taken by her accomplices to bushes in Ulakwo, Etche Local Government Area, where she was assaulted, raped and her valuables taken before she was later released.”

The command explained that swift action was taken following the report, which led to the arrest of the suspect through the use of modern investigative tools.

“Upon receiving the report, officers of the command immediately commenced investigations, utilizing the technology-based strategies of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who assisted in the investigation and ultimately arrested the suspect, Otamiri Prince.”

Police added that the suspect confessed to the crime, and several items were recovered during the operation.

“The suspect confessed to the crime, and the evidence confiscated included an iPhone, a wig that allegedly belonged to the victim, and other valuables.”

Authorities also confirmed that efforts are underway to arrest other gang members who are currently at large.

“Efforts are underway to arrest other absconding gang members as investigations continue, after which the suspects will be charged to court,” the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has warned the public—especially women and job seekers—against unsafe contact with strangers met online.

He advised everyone to prioritize personal safety by verifying identity, avoiding isolated meeting points, informing trusted contacts of their movements, and choosing safe public locations.

The police command also urges citizens to immediately report suspicious activities or emergencies through designated channels for rapid intervention.