The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged killing of a 42-year-old man at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Council. According to the police, the incident occurred on September 27, 2026, at about 1:00 a.m. following an alleged dispute over N500. The victim, Ayei Ekpe Ibor, was allegedly stabbed during an altercation with Ebino Mbang Ikpi.
The disagreement reportedly arose over the money said to have been given as a gift to both men. Ibor was confirmed dead following the stabbing, while the suspect reportedly fled the scene. The police said operatives immediately commenced a search for the suspect and the recovery of the deceased’s remains for medical certification. The police also launched a manhunt for persons who allegedly attacked the Ekori Police Division following the arrest.
At about 8:40 a.m. on September 27, operatives reportedly tracked and arrested Ikpi at his hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area. He was subsequently taken to the Yakurr Police Division for detention and further investigation. The police said Ikpi was arrested and taken into custody. The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the murder suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
However, shortly after the arrest, tension reportedly escalated as sympathisers and other persons mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the release of the suspect. The police said the group, upon discovering that the suspect was not at the station, allegedly resorted to throwing stones at the facility, damaging seven windows, the DPO/DCO office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, part of the roofing and the passenger-side window of the DPO’s official vehicle.
The mob also allegedly attacked the residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, accusing him of assisting the police. Police operatives responded by dispersing the crowd and restoring normalcy. The station has since been reinforced by the Area Commander, Ugep, and the Violence Response and Control Unit (VCRU), Ugep. The police are working to identify and arrest all those allegedly involved in the attack and destruction of police and private property.
The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, released a statement confirming the incident and the arrest of the suspect. The police have expressed their commitment to investigating the incident and bringing those responsible to justice. The incident has raised concerns about the level of violence in the area and the need for increased security measures.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered intensified efforts to identify and arrest all those allegedly involved in the attack and destruction of police and private property. The police are working to maintain peace and order in the area.
Key points
- A suspect has been arrested in connection with the alleged killing of a 42-year-old man in Cross River State, Nigeria.
- The incident occurred following an alleged dispute over N500.
- The police have launched a manhunt for persons who allegedly attacked the Ekori Police Division following the arrest.
