The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, in connection with an attack on the convoy of former presidential candidate Peter Obi in Calabar.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, around Watt Market Roundabout along the Calabar Road axis of the state capital.
Obi’s convoy was reportedly returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, where the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was scheduled to hold its presidential town hall meeting, when suspected hoodlums attacked some of the vehicles.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the incident happened at approximately 2:20pm.
According to the police, the suspected attackers, who were allegedly armed with machetes and sticks, emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis before assaulting vehicles in the convoy.
The attackers reportedly smashed the windshields of some vehicles, although the police said the exact number of vehicles damaged had not been established.
Security operatives responding to the incident arrested one of the suspected attackers, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, while others reportedly escaped.
The police said the arrested man was subsequently transferred to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for further investigation.
The command explained that the transfer was intended to facilitate a discreet investigation and prevent possible reprisals or further breakdown of law and order.
It added that normalcy had returned to the affected area following the intervention of security personnel.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
The command also cautioned against treating the arrest as proof of the suspect’s involvement or guilt.
“The arrest does not establish the suspect’s guilt,” the police statement said, stressing that the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent court proceedings.
The police further assured residents, political stakeholders and visitors that adequate security would be maintained across the state.
The command said all political parties, candidates and their supporters would receive equal protection regardless of their political affiliations.
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