Police Arrests 3 Suspects On Chieftaincy Crisis In Cross River

By Favour Adinya

The Police in Cross River State, has arrested three suspects in connection with the chieftaincy crisis rocking Iko-Esai village in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Irene Ugbo in a press release on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, identified the suspects as Chief Obrt Obia, Chief Elijah Okomison, and Clement Akposi.

The Police said the trio face serious charges including murder, arson, malicious damage, and conspiracy.

Tension in the community escalated dramatically following the tragic shooting of 30 year-old Christian Abakun by fellow indigene Sunday David, who allegedly used a locally made pistol. This incident not only led to Abakun’s death but also resulted in injuries to two other villagers, who are currently receiving medical treatment.

The violence has had devastating effects on the village, with reports indicating that eight buildings, two vehicles, and ten motorcycles were destroyed during the unrest.

Case files and suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) in Calabar for further investigation.

Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Grimah, reassured the public of a thorough investigation, emphasizing that all parties involved will face prosecution if found guilty of the charges.

He urged residents of Iko-Esai and the surrounding Akamkpa LGA to disclose relevant information to aid in the investigation, encouraging them to report to the nearest police station or the Police Command Headquarters in Calabar.