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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Otamiri Prince, over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and sexual assault of a female job seeker in the state.
The suspect was apprehended following a report filed on April 11, 2026, by the victim, Miss Thomas Alice, a resident of Eliozu in Port Harcourt. According to police authorities, the incident dates back to January 3, 2026, when the victim reportedly met the suspect online and agreed to a physical meeting.
Police investigations revealed that upon arrival at the agreed location, the suspect, in collaboration with accomplices, lured the victim to Igwuruta. She was subsequently taken to a secluded bush in Ulakwo community in Etche Local Government Area, where she was sexually assaulted and dispossessed of her valuables before being released.
Spokesperson of the command, Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, disclosed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt that operatives swiftly launched an investigation upon receiving the complaint, deploying technology-driven strategies that led to the suspect’s arrest.
According to the statement, the suspect has confessed to the crime, while items recovered from him include an iPhone, a wig believed to belong to the victim, and other personal belongings.
The police noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who are currently at large, assuring that all suspects involved will be brought to justice upon conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, has cautioned job seekers and members of the public against unsafe engagements on online platforms. He advised individuals to avoid meeting strangers in isolated locations, verify identities before physical meetings, and always inform trusted contacts of their whereabouts.
The command further urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its emergency lines for prompt response.
