The decision by the Cross River State Police Command to arraign four persons out of the 60 suspects initially arrested in connection with the alleged assault of a police officer at Watt Market, Calabar, offers more than another development in a police case. It also raises questions about how citizens respond to provocation, how law enforcement agencies handles public confrontations, and how both sides can sustain trust.
The four suspects as released by the police; Emem Asuquo, 40; Aniema Nelson, 40; Idara Bassey Sunday, 28; and Mercy Edet, 44 were identified after preliminary investigation and screening, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata. They were scheduled to appear before a court on Friday, September 18, 2026, over the alleged assault.
Their arraignment, however, should not be interpreted as proof of guilt. The court remains the appropriate place to determine what happened and whether the allegations against each suspect are established by evidence.
The police themselves have stated that the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. But beyond the courtroom, the Watt Market incident presents lessons for the wider public.
First, anger and provocation do not remove the need for restraint.
READ: Watt Market Police -Traders Clash: 60 Arrested Over Assault
A confrontation that begins with what may appear to be a minor disagreement can quickly become a criminal matter when tempers rocket and physical violence follows. Citizens have a responsibility to control their reactions and seek lawful channels for resolving disputes rather than taking matters into their own hands.
The police account of the Watt Market incident alleges that a confrontation developed after an officer attempted to apprehend a motorcycle rider, with roadside traders allegedly becoming involved. The officer subsequently alleged that he was assaulted and that his uniform, phone and other property were interfered with. These remain allegations to be tested through investigation and the judicial process.
There is therefore a broader lesson: citizens should not assume the role of investigator, judge and enforcer simply because they believe someone has done something wrong. Second, joining a confrontation without knowing the full story can carry consequences.
READ ALSO: Watt Market Assault: Police Screens Arrested 60 Suspects To 4 For Court Trial
The initial arrest of 60 people, followed by the identification of four suspects for prosecution, illustrates why being present during a disturbance is not necessarily the same as knowing what caused it or who was responsible. The police said the 60 persons were screened to establish individual involvement before deciding who would face further proceedings.
This should encourage members of the public to be cautious about joining crowds, confrontations or street disputes based solely on what they have heard from others or seen briefly on social media.
Third, law enforcement also has a responsibility to maintain public confidence. The police response has moved from the arrest and screening of 60 persons to the identification of four suspects for court proceedings. The Command has also stated that the suspects will be subjected to due process and that their rights will be protected.
That process should remain transparent and evidence-based.
At the same time, allegations of misconduct by police officers should receive the same seriousness. If citizens allege harassment, unlawful seizure, excessive force or other misconduct by officers, such complaints should be properly documented, investigated and resolved through established procedures.
This is particularly important in an incident that reportedly began around the enforcement of a motorcycle-related matter. The police account says the officer had attempted to impound a motorcycle whose rider had allegedly earlier stepped on his leg while he was on duty.
READ ALSO: Families Of 17 Fallen Policemen In Cross River Receives Compensation
Where questions arise over the conduct of any officer, addressing them openly does not weaken policing; a credible complaint-handling process can help strengthen public confidence.
Fourth, respect for the police must go together with accountability within the police. Citizens should not assault, obstruct or interfere with officers carrying out lawful duties. Equally, wearing a police uniform should not place any officer beyond scrutiny where there are legitimate complaints about conduct.
The relationship between law enforcement and the public is therefore not one-sided. Police officers need public cooperation to maintain order, while citizens need professional, lawful and accountable policing.
The Watt Market incident should consequently not become another story of citizens versus police. It should be an opportunity to reinforce the principle that both sides are bound by the law.
For the four suspects, the next step is before the court, where evidence will determine the outcome. For the police, the responsibility is to ensure that the case is handled fairly and that any legitimate complaints arising from the incident are also properly addressed.
ALSO: Police Arrest Student And Gang Leader Who Shot Sporadically After Sign-Out
And for the public, the message is simple: provocation may explain anger, but it does not replace the law.
A peaceful and secure Cross River will require citizens to resist mob action and unnecessary confrontation, while security agencies must continue to earn public confidence through professionalism, accountability and respect for the rights of those they police.
Kelvin Ololo is a Cross Riverian, Journalist and writes from Calabar, Cross River State.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Kelvin Ololo, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.
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