The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the apprehension of a suspect in connection with the horrific rape and subsequent murder of Miss Success Anosike, a young orphan and devout Christian from Umunwanwa in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State. Success was allegedly raped and strangled to death by her neighbour at her residence in Oyigbo Local Government Area, Rivers state. An incident which has sent shockwaves through the densely populated community on the outskirts of Port Harcourt.
Africa Update gathered that the incident which reportedly occurred on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, has triggered widespread outrage on social media under the hashtag #JusticeForSuccess, with Nigerians demanding that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Rivers State Police Command ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The case was brought to immediate public attention not by official channels but by an impassioned plea posted on the social media platform, X. A user, claiming to be a family friend, raised the alarm, asserting that the victim had been raped and strangled to death.
The appeal, which garnered widespread circulation after being reposted by a popular blogger, detailed the devastation felt by those close to the young woman: “Nigerians, I need your help… My family friend was raped and strangled to death in her room at Oyigbo on Monday night. Ugochi and her sister are helpless orphans who have nobody to fight for them… Please help us get justice.”
Further unsettling details emerged, indicating that occupants of the compound had reportedly fled following the gruesome discovery, ostensibly fearing implication in the heinous crime.
Responding to press enquiries on Thursday, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, verified both the incident and the swift action taken by operatives.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident, and the suspect has been arrested,” SP Iringe-Koko stated. She confirmed that the case has now been officially transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), the command’s central unit for handling serious crimes.
The deceased’s remains have been deposited at the mortuary, allowing for a comprehensive autopsy to determine the precise cause of death and gather forensic evidence. “Investigation is ongoing. Further details will be made known in due course,” the spokesperson assured.
This tragic event underscores the pervasive security concerns in Rivers State, which has, in recent years, witnessed multiple cases of sexual violence and attacks on vulnerable individuals. The state police command has been under pressure to intensify community policing and surveillance in high-risk areas, amidst ongoing concerns from residents regarding rising criminal activities. The successful, rapid apprehension of a suspect in this case is seen as a key step in restoring public confidence and ensuring justice for the deceased.
