By Patrick Obia
The Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 19 suspects, recovered firearms, 28 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, and other items.
The State Police Command stated that the suspects were arrested in connection with various criminal activities across the state.
In a crime review press briefing held in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo, said the arrests were made following intelligence-led operations and community-based policing strategies aimed at maintaining peace and security in the region.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olusegun E. Omosanyin, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to robust security coverage across the length and breadth of the state, commending the efforts of officers and men of the Command.
Arrest Of Suspected Ritualist.
During the press briefing, the Police said a suspected ritualist with charms was arrested after an operation. The police narrated that on May 19th, 2025 at about 3:50 PM, a team of Anti-Kidnapping Squad responded to a distress call by the Manager of a Hotel along Asari Eso Street, Calabar and arrested an alleged 24 years old man ritualist named Larry Sanyu while carrying out abnormal behavior of incantations inside the hotel premises.
Items said to have recovered upon apprehension include one sword, one small mortar and pestle, candles of various colors, six empty ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags, charms, and other personal effects of the suspect.
Similarly, the law enforcement agency said on May 9th, 2025, seven suspects who have said to have confessed to “be members of the Neo Black Movement of Africa a.k.a ( Black axe) were arrested by a team of soldiers attached to Nigerian Army, Afi Barracks and handed over to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Etung after unleashing acts of criminalities at Itaga Community.”
The Police gave their names as Philip Nse Oku, Nta Ransome Mbeh, Asira Cosmas, Daniel Eze, Esor Moses, Divine Linus, and Osita Michael. “Items recovered include six (6) locally made guns. They have all confessed and will be arraigned in court soon.”
Arrested For Rape, Fraud
An 18-year-old suspect, Sanda Umaru, on 13 May 2025, was said to have been invited by his 18-year-old neighbor, Happiness Liberty (complainant), to help her start house generator. Thereafter, Sanda Umaru, noticing that she was alone, allegedly dragged her and forcefully had sexual intercourse without her consent. He was arrested and has been transferred to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department for legal process for immediate investigation and prosecution.
In the same vein, the Command said the Surveillance Unit of the Command, Calabar, arrested six (6) suspects for advance fee fraud, identity theft, and drug abuse via credible information at Musaha Street, off Yellow Duke, Calabar, on May 16, 2025, at about 7 PM.
Their names are given as Ipoule Favour – 17 years, Igbaji Peter – 20, Ikpe Peter – 20, Victory Ubong – 17, Moshor Joshua – 16, and Victor Udofia 20 years old.
“Search warrant was executed in the house and premises of the suspects, where some quantities of illicit drugs were recovered in one of the suspects’ houses. Similarly, on 18/5/2025 at about 0800hrs, the team also arrested two (2) suspects for the same offences at Ebuka Street, Calabar South, namely Alex James Eru – 33, Ebak Emmanuel Monday – 25 years. Suspects will be jointly charged in court as soon as the investigation is completed,” the briefing added.
Recovery Of Illicit Drugs
The police, under the leadership of CP Olusegun E. Omosanyin, in a bid to clean up the state of criminality, including Illicit drugs such as Indian hemp, have apprehended some suspects and seized 28 bags of weeds, better known as Indian hemp.
A team of the Anti-Cultism Squad was said to have swiftly responded to actionable intelligence of some persons loading substances in bags suspected to be Indian hemp in a J5 vehicle along Usong Esuk Community in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state on May 18, 2025.
The Command said that upon sighting the policemen, the suspects took to their heels, abandoning the goods.
“The exhibit was conveyed to the Anti-Cultism base, subject to be transferred to the Nigerian Drugs Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as may be directed.”
Meanwhile, a man has also been arrested for alleged murder. One Daniat Nass of No. 8 Esuk Utan Road, Calabar, had reported a case to the Federal Housing Police Station, Calabar, that one Okwudili Onuk Elom, who resides at No. 8 Esuk Utan Road, NNPC Depot, Calabar, fought with his brother Emeka Ebube, who used the head of a standing fan to his head.
The hit caused severe bleeding that led to his death. “After his death, the suspect, Okwudili Onuk Elom, locked the door of the room. The murder took place after stealing the properties of the deceased, such as four (4) coolers, two (2) pots. The matter was transferred to State CID Calabar for discreet investigation. The suspect has been arrested, and he has confessed to the crime and will be charged in court as soon as the investigation is completed.”
CP reassures residents and visitors across the state that the Command remains unwavering in its commitment to the safety and security of every individual and community. He emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and calls on all citizens to join hands with the Police by remaining vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities.
“The Command continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, leveraging lawful enforcement tools and adopting global best practices in policing to ensure a peaceful and just society. CP Olusegun E. Omosanyin urges members of the public to partner actively with the Police and sister security agencies through the prompt sharing of credible and actionable information. Together, we can build a Cross River State that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all.”
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