Police arrest siblings after victim reportedly lured from Delta, killed on arrival, and used in fake kidnapping plot

A birthday celebration has ended in tragedy after a young woman, identified as Rita, was allegedly lured from Delta State to Port Harcourt and killed in a plot that investigators say involved a friend and her brother.

According to preliminary police findings, Rita’s friend, Blessing, had shared birthday photos of Rita on her WhatsApp status. Blessing’s brother, Goodnews, reportedly saw the images and expressed interest in meeting Rita. He allegedly asked his sister to help him find out how much Rita would charge for a night.

Investigators claim Rita initially quoted ₦200,000, which was later negotiated down to ₦80,000. She reportedly agreed and travelled to Port Harcourt, unaware that she was being drawn into danger.

On arrival, Goodnews allegedly picked her up and claimed he handed her over to his employer, who he said had paid for the meeting. That same evening, Rita was reportedly killed. Police further allege that parts of her body were removed for ritual purposes and later sold for about ₦3 million.

Further allegations include that Rita’s iPhone was sold for ₦150,000 in the Choba area of Port Harcourt, while her SIM card was allegedly used to contact her family and Blessing with claims that she had been kidnapped. A ransom of ₦1 million was reportedly demanded.

Blessing is said to have sent ₦50,000, while Goodnews also sent ₦50,000, which was later returned to him. Rita’s family allegedly paid ₦200,000, but she was never released.

Subsequent investigations reportedly revealed that Rita had been killed shortly after she arrived in Port Harcourt, rendering the kidnapping claims false.

Both Blessing and Goodnews have since been arrested. Blessing has denied any involvement, insisting she had no knowledge of her brother’s alleged plans and only shared Rita’s contact details with her consent. Goodnews has also reportedly told investigators that his sister was unaware of his intentions.

Police say investigations are ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and identify any additional suspects.

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