close
Monday, January 5, 2026

Police arrest two for alleged abduction, murder in Rivers

According to Ms Iringe-Koko, the suspects have been detained and are cooperating with investigators.

• January 5, 2026
Police officer
Police officer(Photo credit:Daily Post Nigeria)

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two suspects, Igwe Alex and John Mikel, over the kidnapping of two youths—one of whom was allegedly killed—in Okrika.

A statement on Monday by the state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the operatives of the command’s anti-kidnapping unit arrested the suspects.

Ms Iringe-Koko said the body of the murdered victim, Sampson Worianime, who had been declared missing since November 11, 2025, was retrieved from the river where they dumped him.

She stated that the deceased had accompanied the community youths from Ogbogbo to Okrika to measure land at their old settlement.

“Following a distressing petition by the victim’s mother, the anti-kidnapping unit (AKU) launched an investigation, leveraging intelligence-led policing, leading to the arrest of two suspects, including one Igwe Alex ‘m ’, 26 years old, the CSO of Aleto-Eleme community, and John Mikel ‘m’ 24 years old, all of Aleto Eleme.

“During a preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to abducting two youths from Okrika, including the victim. One escaped, while Worianime was killed by the suspects and his body dumped into a nearby river.

“The suspects led police operatives to the location where the corpse was buried, and the remains of the deceased victim were recovered from a shallow grave,” the police spokesperson said.

According to Ms Iringe-Koko, the suspects have been detained and are cooperating with investigators.

She assured that efforts are underway to apprehend other accomplices.

Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju, who has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators, assured the public of the command’s commitment to justice.

He urged citizens to provide any information that may aid the ongoing investigation.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Governor Tim Walz

Politics

Kamala Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, drops out of governorship race amid fraud scandal

Mr Walz had announced his third re-election bid in September 2025 but backtracked on Monday, stressing he could no longer contest.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa

States

Ondo govt launches Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem with N5 million

It also reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of military veterans, widows, and the dependents of fallen heroes.

Abdullahi Sule

States

Nasarawa govt targets N5 billion monthly IGR in 2026

The commissioner said his ministry was collaborating with the state revenue service to ensure that all hotels in the state begin paying the required taxes.

Nigerian Troops

States

Troops neutralise 25 terrorists, rescue hostages in Borno, Yobe

The source said troops ambushed terrorists along the Meleri–Ngirbua axis in the Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe at about 5:30 a.m. on January 4.

U.S. President Donald

World

Trump threatens military operation against Colombia

Meanwhile, Colombia had rejected Mr Trump’s comments as “an unacceptable threat against an elected leader.”

Police

States

Police arrest six suspected cultists in Benue

The Benue Police Command has arrested six persons over alleged cult activities in the Guma Local Government Area of the state.