CROSS RIVER POLICE ARREST MURDER SUSPECT, LAUNCH MANHUNT AFTER MOB ATTACK ON EKORI DIVISION

CROSS RIVER STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

CROSS RIVER POLICE ARREST MURDER SUSPECT, LAUNCH MANHUNT AFTER MOB ATTACK ON EKORI DIVISION

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a 42-year-old man at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area of the State, and commenced efforts to identify and arrest persons involved in the subsequent attack on the Police Division.

1. At about 0100 hours on 27 September 2026, the Police received information that Ayei Ekpe Ibor, male, aged about 42 years, of Okonobngha, Ajere, had been stabbed at Kekoti, Ajere, following an alleged misunderstanding with Ebino Mbang Ikpi, male, of Kekoti, Ajere. The misunderstanding was reportedly over ₦500 said to have been given as a gift to both men, which allegedly resulted in a fight. Ayei Ekpe Ibor was confirmed dead following the incident.

2. Following the incident, the suspect fled the scene. Police operatives immediately commenced efforts to locate him and recover the deceased for appropriate medical certification.

3. At about 0840 hours, a team of Police operatives arrested Ebino Mbang Ikpi at his hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area. He was subsequently taken to Yakurr Division for detention and further investigation.

4. Shortly after the arrest, some sympathisers and other persons mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the release of the suspect. On discovering that he was not at the station, the group allegedly resorted to throwing stones at the station, resulting in damage to seven windows, the DPO/DCO office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, part of the roofing and the passenger-side glass of the DPO’s official vehicle.

5. The residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also attacked, reportedly on the allegation that he had assisted the Police. Police operatives responded promptly to disperse the crowd and restore normalcy. The situation has since been brought under control, while the station has been reinforced by the ACPOL Ugep and the VCRU, Ugep.

6. The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. He has also directed intensified efforts to identify and arrest all persons involved in the attack and destruction of Police and private property.

The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding. While the Police will continue to protect the rights of all persons, attacks on Police formations, destruction of property and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.

E-signed:
ASP EITOKPAH SUNDAY AKATA, anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Cross River State Command
27th September 2026