From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a suspect, Sylvester Otu, in Biase Local Government Area of the state following a report of alleged assault and threats to life.
The arrest forms part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities, cultism, youth restiveness, and other social vices while maintaining law and order across the state.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitopha Akata, said the suspect was arrested following a complaint lodged by a female resident of Ibiaeh Palm Estate on October 18, 2026.
According to the statement, the complainant alleged that her fiancé, Sylvester Otu, had repeatedly assaulted her and threatened her life.
ASP Akata added that a subsequent search of the suspect’s residence on October 19, 2026, led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and a black beret allegedly associated with the Aye Confraternity.
The statement further disclosed that the police acted on information linking the suspect to suspected membership of the confraternity before conducting the search.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the firearm and verify the alleged cult affiliation.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, the unlawful possession of firearms, threats to life, and other violent crimes.
He urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities and threats to their safety through appropriate security channels.
The Command assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and that any prosecution would be pursued in accordance with the law.
The police also emphasised that the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.