The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man for the alleged kidnapping and rape of a lady.
PUNCH Metro learnt from the command that the suspect, identified as Otamiri Prince, met the victim online, where they both agreed to meet at a location.
On arrival at the location, the suspect and his accomplices allegedly lured the victim to Igwuruta, after which she was taken to a bush in a neighbouring community, where she was assaulted and raped.
The command said the suspect’s arrest followed a report received on April 11, 2026, prompting operatives to swing into action.
The command spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement made available to PUNCH Metro on Sunday.
She said efforts had been intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the gang, adding that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The Rivers State Police Command has arrested one Otamiri Prince ‘M’, aged 24, in connection with a case of alleged kidnapping and rape.
“Following a report made on 11th April, 2026, by Miss Thomas Alice (F), aged 24, of Eliozu, Port Harcourt, the victim alleged that she was kidnapped on 3rd January, 2026, by an individual she met online.
“According to her statement, she was lured to Igwuruta, from where she was taken by accomplices to a bush in Ulakwo, Etche Local Government Area, where she was assaulted and raped, and her valuables were stolen before she was later released.
“On receipt of the report, operatives of the command promptly commenced an investigation, leveraging technology-driven strategies of the inspector-general of police, which aided the investigation and eventual arrest of the suspect, Otamiri Prince.
“The suspect confessed to the crime, and exhibits recovered from him include an iPhone, a wig suspected to belong to the victim, and other valuables,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, advised women and job seekers using online platforms to exercise caution when interacting with strangers.
He urged them to avoid meeting unfamiliar persons in isolated locations, inform trusted individuals of their movements, verify identities before physical meetings, and choose safe, public meeting points.
The command also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity or emergencies through designated police hotlines for prompt response.
