By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a “one chance” robbery syndicate in Calabar following an attack on a female student.
The suspects, identified as Leo Celestine, 25, and Ndiana Abasi William, 30, were apprehended on April 16, 2026, after allegedly robbing a 20 year old student of the School of Nursing, Calabar.
Police said the suspects posed as passengers in a commercial minibus before launching the attack. The victim was reportedly dispossessed of her Android phone and other personal belongings before being pushed out of the moving vehicle.
The driver of the bus immediately stopped and raised an alarm, triggering a chase towards the Bogobiri area. Police operatives on duty responded promptly to the distress call and joined in the pursuit, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
The Command said the stolen phone and other valuables were recovered from the suspects.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the Vikings Confraternity and admitted to specializing in robbing unsuspecting members of the public. They also disclosed that stolen items were usually sold to receivers within the metropolis.
Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate as well as those involved in receiving stolen property.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its control room numbers or at the nearest police station.