Police Arrests Suspect Over Cross River Murder, Station Attacked

Police Arrests Suspect Over Cross River Murder, Station Attacked

By Our Reporter

Calabar (Core Reporters) – The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged murder of a 42-year-old man at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.

The Command also said it had launched an investigation to identify and arrest persons who allegedly attacked the Ekori Police Division following the suspect’s arrest.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on September 27, 2026, following an alleged misunderstanding between the deceased, identified as Ayei Ekpe Ibor, and Ebino Mbang Ikpi, both of Ajere.

The disagreement was reportedly over ₦500 allegedly given as a gift to both men and subsequently escalated into a fight during which Ibor was allegedly stabbed.

The victim, who was said to be from Okonobngha, Ajere, was confirmed dead following the incident.

The Police said the suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident, prompting operatives to commence efforts to locate him and recover the deceased for appropriate medical certification.

At about 8:40 a.m., Police operatives reportedly arrested Ikpi at his hideout around the Ajere-Ekori area and took him to the Yakurr Division for detention and further investigation.

However, shortly after the arrest, some sympathisers and other persons allegedly mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the suspect’s release.

The Command said the group, upon discovering that the suspect was no longer at the station, allegedly resorted to throwing stones at the facility.

The attack reportedly damaged seven windows, the DPO/DCO office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, part of the station’s roofing and the passenger-side glass of the DPO’s official vehicle.

The residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also reportedly attacked over allegations that he had assisted the Police.

The Police said its operatives responded promptly, dispersed the crowd and restored normalcy in the area.

The station has since been reinforced by the Area Commander, Ugep, and the Vigilance and Rapid Response Unit, Ugep.

CP Ordue has directed that the murder suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

He also ordered intensified efforts to identify and arrest all persons allegedly involved in the attack and destruction of Police and private property.

The Command urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that while the Police would continue to protect the rights of all persons, attacks on Police formations, destruction of property and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The Command said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.