Rita Enemuru, Reporting
PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Otamiri Prince, in connection with the alleged kidnap and rape of a young woman he met online.
According to a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, the arrest followed a formal complaint lodged by a 24-year-old victim, Miss Thomas Alice, a resident of Eliozu in Port Harcourt.
Miss Alice told police that she was lured into a trap on 3 January 2026 by an individual she had befriended through an online platform.
“She was lured to Igwuruta, from where she was subsequently taken by accomplices to a bush in Ulakwo, Etche Local Government Area, where she was assaulted, raped and her valuables taken before she was later released,” the statement read.
Detectives attached to the command immediately launched an investigation, deploying what the police described as “technology-driven strategies of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.” Those efforts led directly to the arrest of Otamiri Prince, who has since confessed to the crime.
Items recovered from the suspect include an iPhone, a wig believed to belong to the victim, and other personal valuables.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang as investigation continues, after which the suspect(s) will be charged to court,” ASP Agabe added.
Reacting to the disturbing case, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, issued a strong warning to women and job seekers, urging them to exercise extreme caution when engaging with individuals met online.
He advised members of the public to avoid meeting strangers in isolated or unfamiliar locations, always inform trusted family members or friends of their movements, verify identities before any physical meeting, choose safe and public locations, and remain vigilant at all times.
“Your safety is paramount. Stay alert and security conscious at all times. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to track down other members of the gang,” CP Adepoju assured.
The police have also urged anyone with useful information to come forward via designated emergency lines.
