The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old student, Emmanuel Ejim Ejim, in connection with a viral video allegedly showing suspected cult members firing shots from a moving vehicle in Calabar.
The command, in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the incident was believed to have occurred in the early hours of September 17, 2026, following a sign-out activity involving students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
According to the police, the arrest followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, for the immediate identification and apprehension of those involved in the incident.
The statement said operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, launched an intelligence-led operation at about 11:30 p.m. on September 17.
The operation reportedly led to the identification and tracking of the vehicle seen in the viral footage. The driver was arrested, and information obtained during the operation allegedly helped the police trace Ejim to a hotel in Calabar, where he was subsequently arrested.
Police said preliminary investigations identified Ejim as a student of UNICROSS and that he allegedly identified himself during questioning as a leader of the Vikings Confraternity.
The suspect also allegedly admitted to being the person seen firing the shots in the viral video, according to the police.
The command further alleged that Ejim told investigators he had participated in a sign-out activity on the day of the incident and that another suspected member of the group handed him the pistol allegedly used in the shooting.
The police said efforts had been intensified to identify and arrest other individuals allegedly connected to the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm and the movement of the vehicle, the command added, remain under investigation.
The Commissioner of Police directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and comprehensively, with anyone found to have participated in or facilitated the alleged act brought before the law.
The command also warned against the unlawful discharge of firearms in public places, describing such acts as a serious security concern.
It urged members of the public to report suspicious movements, illegal possession of firearms and cult-related activities to the police.
The police said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.