By SUNDAY BASSEY

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has confirmed the death of one Essien James, a former ExxonMobil contract staff in Eket Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket on Saturday.

Azare said the deceased had a fight with one Lawrence Alfred on Dec. 6, which resulted in his death.

He said the incident was reported to the police on Dec. 8 by the family of the deceased.

Azare, who noted that the suspect had been arrested, said investigations are underway to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the deceased.

However, a family source who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity said the fight between the deceased and the suspect happened in a beer parlour.

“While they were drinking in a beer parlor, an argument ensued, which led to a fight.

“The suspect pushed the deceased down and hit his head with a stone.

“He was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead by a doctor.

“The culprit fled to Onna Local Government Area of the state after the incident and hid there before being arrested by the police,” he said. (Text, excluding headline: NAN)

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