By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Police Command has thwarted a mob action against a suspected armed robber in Calabar, the state capital.
The suspect attempted to rob a lady, leading to her death, in the early hours of Sunday, 25 January 2026, at Abang Asang by Mbora before he was apprehended by a mob.
According to a statement by ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the suspect was beaten to a pulp and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital following the intervention of the police.
ASP Eitokpah said the operation led to the recovery of a firearm and the arrest of three suspects.
“The Cross River State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in the early hours of Sunday, 25th January 2026, successfully intervened to prevent a mob action against a suspected armed robber who was allegedly attempting to rob a lady in Calabar. The operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.
“The suspect, who was beaten unconscious by an angry mob at Abang Asang area, Mbora Street, Calabar, was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention. Unfortunately, the victim, yet to be identified, was pronounced dead at the hospital in the early hours of this morning.
“Three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. The victim’s body has been evacuated and deposited at the UCTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues,” the statement read in part.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Command’s commitment to crime prevention, protection of lives, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
While reiterating the Command’s zero tolerance for violent crime, CP Afegbua strongly condemned mob action and emphasised that suspects apprehended by private individuals must always be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
He further appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and useful information, and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
“The Command reassures the good people of Cross River State of its unwavering resolve to ensure safety and security throughout the state,” the statement added.
