Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing Friend Over ₦500 in Cross River

A man identified as Ebino Mbang Ikpi has been arrested by the police in Cross River State for allegedly stabbing his friend, Ayei Ekpe Ibor, 42, to death following a disagreement over the sharing of ₦500 reportedly given to both of them as a gift.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to the police spokesman, the incident followed a misunderstanding between Ibor and his friend, Ikpi, over the ₦500.

Eitokpah said the victim was confirmed dead after the alleged attack, while the suspect fled the scene.

He added that police operatives launched a search for the suspect and arrested him at about 8:40 a.m. in his hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area.

The suspect was subsequently taken to the Yakurr Divisional Police Headquarters for detention and further investigation.

Mob Attacks Police Station

However, shortly after the suspect was arrested, some sympathisers and other individuals allegedly mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding his release.

According to Eitokpah, the group discovered that the suspect was not at the station and allegedly began throwing stones at the facility.

The attack reportedly damaged seven windows, the DPO/DCO office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, part of the roofing and the passenger-side glass of the DPO's official vehicle.

The residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also allegedly attacked after claims that he had assisted the police.

The police spokesman said officers responded promptly, dispersed the mob and restored normalcy.

He added that the police station had been reinforced with additional security personnel.

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

He also ordered intensified efforts to identify and arrest all persons allegedly involved in the attack and destruction of police and private property.