Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a man accused of stabbing his 42-year-old friend to death following a disagreement over a N500 gift. The suspect, Ebino Mbang Ikpi, was arrested at about 8:40 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at his hideout in the Ajere-Ekori area of Yakurr Local Government Area.
The incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on September 27, 2026, in Kekoti, Ajere, following an alleged misunderstanding between the two men over N500 that was reportedly given to both of them as a gift. The victim, Ayei Ekpe Ibor, a resident of Okonobngha, Ajere, was stabbed during an altercation with Ikpi. He was confirmed dead, while the suspect fled the scene.
According to the police spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the disagreement escalated into a fight during which Ibor was stabbed. Police operatives immediately launched a manhunt for the suspect and arrested him at his hideout hours later. He was subsequently taken to the Yakurr Police Division for detention and further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
But the arrest did not end the crisis. Shortly after Ikpi was taken into custody, a group of sympathisers and other persons mobilised and attacked the Ekori Police Division, demanding the release of the suspect. On discovering that he was not at the station, the group allegedly resorted to throwing stones at the facility, damaging 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 mob also attacked the residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, accusing him of assisting the police in the arrest of the suspect.
Police operatives responded promptly, dispersed the crowd and restored normalcy. The station has since been reinforced by the Area Commander, Ugep, and the Violent Crimes Response Unit. The Commissioner of Police has ordered intensified efforts to identify and arrest all persons involved in the attack and destruction of police and private property.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, warning that attacks on police formations, destruction of property and attempts to obstruct criminal investigations will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The incident adds to a growing list of violent deaths in Cross River State in recent months. In August 2026, the police began investigating the deaths of two men allegedly attacked by a mob. The latest tragedy, sparked by a dispute over a mere N500 gift, has left a community in mourning, a police station in ruins, and a suspect facing a murder charge that could define the rest of his life.
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