A 24-year-old job-seeker in Rivers State has recounted a harrowing ordeal after she was allegedly lured through an online contact, kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a suspected criminal gang.
The victim, Miss Thomas Alice, said she had been searching for employment opportunities when she connected with a man online who later invited her for a meeting under the pretext of a job offer.
According to a statement by the Rivers State Police Command, the incident was formally reported on April 11, 2026, though it occurred earlier on January 3.
Police said the suspect, identified as Otamiri Prince, 24, allegedly deceived the victim into travelling to Igwuruta, on the outskirts of Port Harcourt, where she was subsequently abducted by his accomplices.
She was then reportedly taken to a remote bush area in Ulakwo, Etche Local Government Area, where she was assaulted, raped and dispossessed of her valuables before being released.
Security operatives, acting on the victim’s report, launched an investigation using technology-driven tracking methods.
The police confirmed that the suspect was later apprehended and has allegedly confessed to the crime.
Items recovered from him include an iPhone, a wig believed to belong to the victim, and other personal effects.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, warned job seekers, especially young women, to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online.
He advised applicants to verify job offers, avoid isolated meeting locations, and always inform trusted contacts before attending physical meetings.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the suspected gang, while the arrested suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
