The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a man suspected of stabbing a 42-year-old man to death at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Ebino Mbang Ikpi, was arrested at about 8:40 a.m. on September 27, 2026, following the death of Ayei Ekpe Ibor, of Okonobngha, Ajere.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. following an alleged disagreement between the two men over ₦500 reportedly given to them as a gift.
The disagreement allegedly escalated into a fight, during which Ibor was stabbed. He was subsequently confirmed dead.
The police said the suspect fled the scene after the incident, prompting operatives to launch a search for him. He was later arrested at a hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area and taken to the Yakurr Division for detention and investigation.
However, shortly after his arrest, some sympathisers and other persons reportedly mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the suspect’s release.
The police said the attackers, upon discovering that the suspect was no longer at the station, allegedly threw stones at the facility, damaging 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.
The residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also reportedly attacked over allegations that he assisted the police.
Police operatives were deployed to disperse the crowd and restore normalcy, while the station was reinforced by the ACPOL Ugep and the VCRU, Ugep.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the murder suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
He also ordered intensified efforts to identify and arrest those allegedly involved in the attack on the police station and destruction of public and private property.
The Command appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, warning that attacks on police formations, destruction of property and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The police said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.