Man missing since November found dead as police nab two in Rivers

Police authorities in Rivers State have confirmed the recovery of the remains of a man reported missing in November 2025, following the arrest of two suspects linked to the case.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.

According to the police, the deceased, Sampson Worianime, was declared missing on November 11, 2025, after he failed to return home from a land measurement exercise in Okrika.

Iringe-Koko explained that Worianime had accompanied community youths from Ogbogbo in Okrika to an old settlement to measure land, but never made it back.

She said the case gained momentum after a petition submitted by the victim’s mother prompted the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) to commence a detailed investigation.

“The Rivers State Police Command has made significant progress in the investigation into the disappearance of Sampson Worianime, who was reported missing on November 11, 2025, after accompanying his Community Youth from Ogbogbo Community in Okrika to measure land at their old settlement,” she stated.

She revealed that intelligence-led policing led to the arrest of two suspects from Aleto Community in Eleme Local Government Area.

“Following a distressing petition by the victim’s mother, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) launched an investigation, leveraging intelligence-led policing, leading to the arrest of two suspects, including one Igwe Alex, ‘m’, 26 years old, the CSO of Aleto-Eleme Community, and John Mikel, ‘m’, 24 years old, all of Aleto Eleme,” Iringe-Koko said.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted abducting two youths from Okrika. While one victim escaped, Worianime was allegedly killed and his body disposed of in a nearby river.

“During a preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to abducting two youths from Okrika, including the victim; one escaped, while Worianime was killed by the suspects and his body dumped into a nearby river,” she added.

The police spokesperson said the suspects later led investigators to a shallow grave where the victim’s remains were recovered.

“The suspects led Police Operatives to the location where the corpse was buried, and the remains of the deceased victim were recovered from a shallow grave,” she said, noting that investigations were still ongoing.

Iringe-Koko stated that the suspects remain in custody and are cooperating with investigators, while efforts are being intensified to track down other accomplices.

She further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed a thorough investigation to ensure that all perpetrators of this heinous crime are made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.

She assured residents of the command’s resolve to secure justice, adding: “The Command assures the public of its commitment to justice and urges citizens to provide any information that may aid the ongoing investigation.”