By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Police Command has responded to a viral video circulating on social media alleging unlawful entry and indiscriminate arrests at White House Lodge in Calabar, stating that the operation was lawful and intelligence-driven.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, and signed by ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Command confirmed that the officers seen in the video are operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Crack Unit. It explained that the raid was part of a targeted operation based on credible intelligence.
According to the statement, the action followed a duly endorsed petition from the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja, which raised serious allegations including computer-related fraud, money laundering, and advance fee fraud.
“The operation was intelligence-driven and not random,” the statement read, dismissing claims of indiscriminate arrests.
Despite this clarification, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, has ordered an immediate review of the incident to ensure that all procedures complied with due process. The Command assured that any officer found to have acted outside the law would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
The police also cautioned the public against spreading unverified information, urging residents to remain calm while investigations continue.
Reaffirming its stance, the Command stressed its commitment to lawful, professional, and accountable policing across the state.
