By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested three persons in connection with an alleged mob attack that resulted in the death of a suspected robber in Calabar.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the command, popularly known as the Dragon Squad, led by CSP Chukwuma Ogini. They are currently being held at the police headquarters in Diamond Hill, Calabar, as investigations continue ahead of their arraignment in court.
The incident was disclosed in a statement issued by the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah. According to the statement, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Police said operatives of the Dragon Squad intervened after receiving information about a mob attack on a man suspected to be an armed robber who was allegedly attempting to rob a woman in Calabar.
During the intervention, a Beretta pistol loaded with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition was recovered, while some individuals involved in the mob action were arrested.
The suspect was reportedly beaten unconscious by the mob at Mbora Street in the Abangasang area of Calabar before being rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for medical attention. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His identity has not yet been established.
Three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with the investigation. The body of the deceased has been deposited at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy, as investigations into the incident continue.
CP Afegbua condemned mob action and stressed that suspects apprehended by private individuals must be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution in line with the law.
He also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the police by providing timely and useful information, while urging residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.