The Cross River State Police Command has denied allegations that it is shielding suspected cultists following the arrest of a suspect linked to a viral shooting video in Calabar.
The Command, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the suspect remains in police custody and is currently undergoing investigation.
The statement followed allegations published by the social media handle “Portrait Peterson,” accusing the police of attempting to cover up the identities of persons allegedly involved in the incident.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the arrest of the suspect was not a mere formality or an attempt to divert attention from the allegations.
He said the police would prosecute the suspect if investigations establish a prima facie case against him.
The Command also disclosed that it was investigating the identities of two masked persons seen inside the vehicle in the viral video and alleged to be police officers.
“The Command is independently investigating whether they are police officers and, if so, their identities, roles and the circumstances surrounding their presence,” the statement said.
The police further disclosed that officers involved in an unauthorised video interview with the alleged suspect, which was subsequently leaked online, had been identified and disciplined in line with established police procedures.
The Command said it would not shield any personnel found to have acted improperly or compromised the ongoing investigation.
It also called on the operator of “Portrait Peterson” and members of the public with credible and verifiable evidence concerning the identities of the masked persons or others allegedly involved in cult-related activities to submit such information to the police.
The Command reiterated its commitment to tackling cultism and violent crime in the state, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the law regardless of status or affiliation.
Members of the public can report emergencies or provide security-related information through the Cross River State Police Command Control Room on 0706 797 7330 or 0705 335 5415