Police arrest 60 suspects over officer assault at Cross River market
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 60 suspects following the alleged assault of a police officer at Watt Market, Calabar, the state capital. The arrests followed a viral video circulating on social media alleging that market women at the market held a police officer after a chase involving a suspected internet fraudster, during Read More:…
In Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, 60 suspects have been apprehended by the Cross River State Police Command following an alleged assault on a police officer at Watt Market. The arrests were made after a viral video on social media claimed that market women had forcibly held a police officer after a chase involving a suspected cybercriminal, causing market traders' goods to scatter.
However, the police emphasized that the statements made in the viral video were misleading and did not accurately depict the events surrounding the incident. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the incident occurred on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, around 3:30 pm, following an alert from a concerned citizen.
The patrol team from Atakpa Police Division was immediately dispatched to the scene, where the officer was rescued and taken to the police station. The officer stated that he was heading to a team meeting when he attempted to impound a motorcycle whose rider allegedly stepped on his leg while on duty on September 11. The officer alleged that the rider was confronted and assaulted by some roadside traders who allegedly aided the rider.
He further claimed that his riot gun was tampered with, his police uniform and shoes were torn, and his Samsung X10 mobile phone was stolen. His face and body were reportedly covered in pepper and egg. The police commissioner ordered a comprehensive investigation, which led to the reinforcement of patrol and surveillance teams and the arrest of 60 suspects.
The suspects are currently undergoing screening and interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend any other individuals involved in the incident. The police urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid drawing conclusions from incomplete or misleading narratives circulating online. Normalcy was restored at Watt Market, and the police remained committed to protecting lives and property, vowing not to tolerate attacks on police officers or any other person.
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