Cross Rivers State Police command cracks down on crime: 19 suspects arrested, firearms, Indian hemp recovered

Cross River State Police Command has arrested 19 suspects in connection with various criminal activities across the state.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, SP Ugbo Irene, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Olusegun Omosanyin, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to robust security coverage across the length and breadth of the State.

He commended the efforts of officers and men in the enforcement activities.

He narrated that on 19/5/ 2025, 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 ritualist named; Larry Sanyu 24, while carrying out abnormal behavior of incantations inside the hotel premises.

Items recovered upon apprehension include: One sword One small mortar and pestle Candles of various colors Six empty Ghana must-go bags, Different criminal charms and other personal effects of the suspect. Meanwhile, the suspect has been transferred to State CID for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.

” On 9/5/2025 seven suspects who have confessed to being members of the Neo Black Movement of Africa a.k.a ( Black Axe) were arrested by a team of Soldiers attached to the Nigerian Army, Afi Barracks and handed over to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Etung after unleashing acts of criminalities at Itaga Community.

“The said suspects have been transferred to State CID for further investigation and prosecution as soon as the investigation is concluded. The suspects are, 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 soonest”, he explained.

The state police boss further said that on 13/5/2025, one Sanda Umaru (suspect) was invited by one of his neighbor (complainant) named Happiness Liberty, 18, to help her start their house generator, thereafter Sanda Umaru noticed that she was alone and dragged her and forcefully had sexual intercourse without her consent.

” The suspect has been transferred to the Gender Unit, State CID for legal process immediately after the investigation is concluded. Also on 16/5/2025, the Command Surveillance Unit, Calabar arrested six (6) suspects for advance fee fraud, identity theft and drug abuse via credible information at Musaha Street, off Yellow Duke, Calabar. They are, Ipoule Favour, 17, Igbaji Peter, 20; Ikpe Peter, 20; Victory Ubong,17; Moshor Joshua, 16;
Victor Udofia, 20.

“A search warrant was executed in the house and premises of the suspects where some quantity of illicit drugs were recovered in one of the suspect’s houses. Similarly, on 18/5/2025 at about 0800hrs the team also arrested two (2) suspects for the same offenses at Ebuka Street, Calabar South namely; Alex James Eru, 33; Ebak Emmanuel Monday, 25.
Suspects will be jointly charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed.

” On 18/5/2025 a team of Anti _ Cultism Squad swiftly responded to the actionable intelligence that some persons were loading substances in bags suspected to be Indian Hemp in a J5 vehicle along Usong Esuk Community in Odukpani Local Government Area upon sighting the Policemen, they 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.

” On 21/05/2025, one Daniat Nass ‘m’ of No. 8 Esuk Utan Road, Calabar, reported a case of murder at Federal Housing Police Station, Calabar, that one Okwudili Onuk Elom ‘m’ of No. 8 Esuk Utan Road, NNPC Depot, Calabar, fought with his brother named Emeka Ebube Owne ‘m’ a.k.a Mohammed and use the head of a standing fan and hit him on his head, which caused him bleed and died. After, his death, the suspect Okwudili Onuk Elom, locked the door of the room, and the murder took place after stealing the properties of the deceased, such as four (4) coolers, and 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 court charged as soon as the investigation is completed.

“The Commissioner of Police, Cross reassure all 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 emphasizes 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,” he further assured.

CP Olusegun E. Omosanyin urged members of the public to partner actively with the Police and sister security agencies through the prompt sharing of credible and actionable information.