Two suspects arrested as police recover remains of man declared missing

Authorities in Rivers State have reported that their operatives have located the remains of a man who was declared missing in November. They have also arrested two individuals in connection with this case.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the State Command and a Chief Superintendent of Police, made this announcement in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Iringe-Koko stated that Sampson Worianime, who was reported missing on November 11, 2025, was discovered as a result of police investigations.

According to the police spokesperson, the victim had gone to measure land in Okrika but failed to return home.

She mentioned that the two suspects are from the Aleto Community in the Eleme Local Government Area of the state and have admitted to their involvement in the crime.

She remarked: "The Rivers State Police Command has made notable advancements in the investigation concerning the disappearance of Sampson Worianime, who was reported missing on November 11, 2025, after he accompanied his Community Youth from Ogbogbo Community in Okrika to measure land at their former settlement.

"In response to a distressing petition from the victim’s mother, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) initiated an investigation, utilizing intelligence-led policing, which resulted in the apprehension of two suspects: Igwe Alex, a 26-year-old male and the Chief Security Officer of Aleto-Eleme Community, and John Mikel, a 24-year-old male, both from Aleto Eleme.

"During the initial investigation, the suspects confessed to abducting two youths from Okrika, including the victim; one managed to escape, while Worianime was murdered by the suspects, and his body was disposed of in a nearby river.

"The suspects guided police operatives to the site where the corpse was interred, and the remains of the deceased were retrieved from a shallow grave. The suspects are currently in police custody and are cooperating with a team of investigators. Efforts are ongoing to capture additional accomplices.

Iring-Koko, however, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to ensure that all individuals responsible for this atrocious crime are held accountable under the law.

"The Command assures the public of its dedication to justice and encourages citizens to share any information that could assist in the ongoing investigation," she added.