The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, Ebino Mbang Ikpi, in connection with the alleged murder of another man following a dispute over ₦500 in Ajere, Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
The police said the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on September 27, 2026, at Kekoti, Ajere, where Ayei Ekpe Ibor, also 42, was allegedly stabbed during a fight with Ikpi.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, Ibor, a resident of Okonobngha, Ajere, was confirmed dead after the incident.
The police said the suspect fled the scene but was arrested at about 8:40 a.m. at a hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area following efforts by operatives to locate him.
Ikpi was subsequently taken to the Yakurr Police Division for detention and further investigation.
However, shortly after his arrest, a group of sympathisers and other persons allegedly mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the suspect’s release.
The police said the group, after discovering that Ikpi was no longer at the station, allegedly attacked the facility with stones, 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 had assisted the police.
Police operatives subsequently dispersed the crowd and restored order, while the Ekori Division was reinforced by the ACPOL Ugep and the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), Ugep.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, 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 division and destruction of public and private property.
The police command urged 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 command said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.