By Oluchi Omai | May 28, 2025 | Calabar, Nigeria
In a continued effort to strengthen security and curb crime across Cross River State, the State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Olusegun E. Omosanyin, PSC(+), fdc, has announced the arrest of nineteen (19) suspects linked to a series of criminal offenses ranging from cultism and rape to drug trafficking and ritual activities.
The development was made known during a press briefing held at the State Police Headquarters in Calabar on May 26, 2025, where the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ugbo Irene, ANIPR, presented a comprehensive review of operations carried out between May 1st and the press briefing date.
1. Suspected Ritualist Nabbed in Hotel, Criminal Charms Recovered
In the early hours of May 19, 2025, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad responded swiftly to a distress call from the manager of a hotel along Asari Eso Street, Calabar. The suspect, one Larry Sanyu, a 24-year-old male, was reportedly performing suspicious rituals and incantations within the premises. Upon arrest, the following items were recovered:
- A sword
- A small mortar and pestle
- Candles of various colors
- Six empty Ghana-must-go bags
- Assorted charms and other personal items
The suspect has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation and prosecution.
2. Seven Cultists Arrested in Etung, Firearms Recovered
On May 9, 2025, seven individuals believed to be members of the outlawed Neo Black Movement of Africa (a.k.a. Black Axe) were arrested by military personnel from Afi Barracks and handed over to the Etung Divisional Police Headquarters.
These suspects were apprehended after allegedly wreaking havoc in the Itaga Community. Items recovered include six (6) locally fabricated firearms. The individuals have confessed to the crimes and have been transferred to the SCID for further investigations. Names of the suspects include:
- Philip Nse Oku
- Nta Ransome Mbeh
- Asira Cosmas
- Daniel Eze
- Esor Moses
- Divine Linus
- Osita Michael
They are expected to be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.
3. One Arrested for Rape in Calabar
On May 13, 2025, a rape case was reported involving Sanda Umaru, who allegedly assaulted Happiness Liberty, an 18-year-old neighbor. The incident occurred when the victim invited the suspect to assist with starting a generator. Taking advantage of her vulnerability, Umaru reportedly forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.
The case has been handed over to the Gender Unit of the SCID and is currently undergoing investigation for legal prosecution.
4. Eight Arrested for Internet Fraud, Identity Theft, and Drug Abuse
Acting on credible intelligence, the Command’s Surveillance Unit raided a hideout on Musaha Street, off Yellow Duke Road, Calabar, at about 7:00 a.m. on May 16, 2025. Six suspects were arrested at the scene for engaging in advance fee fraud (popularly known as 419), identity theft, and drug abuse.
Arrested individuals include:
- Ipoule Favour (17 years)
- Igbaji Peter (20 years)
- Ikpe Peter (20 years)
- Victory Ubong (17 years)
- Moshor Joshua (16 years)
- Victor Udofia (20 years)
Subsequently, on May 18, 2025, two additional suspects, Alex James Eru (33 years) and Ebak Emmanuel Monday (25 years), were picked up at Ebuka Street, Calabar South, for similar offenses.
5. 28 Bags of Suspected Indian Hemp Recovered in Odukpani
On May 18, 2025, at about 1:45 a.m., the Anti-Cultism Squad, acting on tip-off, stormed a location at Usong Esuk Community in Odukpani LGA, where suspected drug traffickers were loading a Peugeot J5 van with bags believed to contain Indian hemp. Upon sighting the police team, the suspects fled, abandoning the vehicle and contents.
Twenty-eight (28) bags of the substance were recovered and have been handed over to the Anti-Cultism Base, pending onward transfer to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for detailed analysis and prosecution directives.
6. One Suspect Arrested for Murder and Theft
On May 21, 2025, Daniat Nass reported a murder incident at Esuk Utan Road, Calabar. According to the report, Okwudili Onuk Elom, residing at the same address, fatally struck his brother, Emeka Ebube Owne (a.k.a Mohammed), with the head of a standing fan during an altercation.
After committing the heinous act, the suspect allegedly locked the room and stole items belonging to the deceased, including:
- Four coolers
- Two cooking pots
The suspect has confessed to the crime and is currently in custody awaiting prosecution.
Commissioner Reassures Public of Safety
Commissioner of Police, CP Olusegun E. Omosanyin, praised the professionalism and commitment of the officers involved in the operations and reassured residents that the Command remains fully dedicated to upholding law and order across all state zones.
He emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and urged residents to cooperate with the police by reporting suspicious activities and offering credible information.
“We are leveraging intelligence-led policing and global best practices to build a safer Cross River State. Together with the public, we can defeat criminal elements and create a peaceful society for all,” CP Omosanyin stated.
The Cross River State Police Command continues to demonstrate its resilience and readiness to tackle crime head-on. With sustained community engagement and proactive enforcement, the hope for a safer, more secure Cross River remains strong.
For any useful information or complaints, residents are encouraged to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ugbo Irene, or reach out to the nearest police formation.
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