Cross River man nabbed over arson

A 41-year-old man, Bassey Ekpo, has been arrested by the police in Cross River for allegedly setting a house ablaze at 8 Miles in Calabar, the state capital.

The Cross River Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, on Saturday, said the incident was reported on Friday at the Ikot Omin Police Division by the occupant of the house, Ekemini Stephen.

Eitokpah added that, with the help of neighbours, the suspect was apprehended and taken to the police station.

The police spokesperson said that during preliminary questioning, the suspect allegedly claimed that he was sent by his 61-year-old mother.

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He added that police operatives had visited the scene of the incident and taken photographs as part of evidence gathering.

“With the assistance of neighbours, the suspect was apprehended and brought to the Police Station. During preliminary questioning, he allegedly claimed that he was sent by his 61-year-old mother, who is currently at large and has been named as the alleged instigator,” part of the statement said.

Eitokpah said the investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ascertain the involvement of other persons.

The police further assured residents that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

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