Rivers Police Arrest Five Suspects Over Kidnappings Linked to Dating Sites

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers accused of using online dating sites to lure unsuspecting victims before abducting them.

The police also rescued a 24-year-old woman, identified as Chinyere, who was allegedly kidnapped along the Igwuruta–Etche Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe Kaborlo, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

According to the police, Chinyere travelled from Delta State to Port Harcourt on October 3 to visit a friend.

She was allegedly abducted along the Igwuruta–Etche Road, prompting a complaint to the police at about 9 a.m. the following day.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, directed operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in Diobu to investigate the incident.

The operation led to the arrest of five suspects, including a woman, the police said.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted involvement in the kidnapping and provided information about other abduction incidents in the Igwuruta and Etche areas.

Agabe said investigators were told that the group allegedly used online dating platforms to establish contact with prospective victims, persuade them to arrange physical meetings and then abduct them.

The police did not disclose whether a ransom was demanded or paid in Chinyere’s case, how long she was held or the specific circumstances surrounding her rescue.

The suspects were identified as:

• Gift Okeregwu, 23, from Okehi community in Etche Local Government Area.
• Okeregwu Onyekachi, 27, also from Okehi.
• Bright Augustine, 27, from Akukabu community in Etche.
• Chijoke Nwalozie, 35, also from Akukabu.
• Obinachi Rita, 26, from Rivers State.

According to the police, Gift Okeregwu was arrested at a hideout along the Omuoda Pipeline area of Aluu in Port Harcourt.

The command has not disclosed whether the five suspects have been formally charged in court.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing those suspected of kidnapping and other violent crimes to justice.

The police also urged residents to exercise caution when interacting with strangers met through dating platforms.

Members of the public were advised to verify identities before arranging physical meetings and report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies.

The allegations against the five suspects remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.