Angry youths and women from Nwang I and II communities and other parts of the Ekajuk Clan in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, on Monday, stormed the Ogoja Area Command, demanding the release of a murder suspect.

It was learnt that the suspect, Malime Sunday Ejor, 35, was arrested for allegedly killing his 26-year-old girlfriend, Moshie Lucy Igu, on Saturday at a farm in Nwang Village.

The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, Sunday Etiokpah, who disclosed this in a statement the same day, stated that the suspect allegedly attacked the victim at the farm before dragging her to a nearby stream, where he inflicted machete cuts on her, leading to her death.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives promptly visited the scene. The suspect was apprehended and rescued from an attempted mob action by angry youths. He is currently in police custody for his safety and ongoing investigation,” he stated.

He added that the victim’s remains had yet to be deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja as arrangements were being finalised.

However, tension escalated on Monday when the protesters stormed the police facility, insisting on the release of the suspect.

Etiokpah, while providing an update in a statement, stated that the crowd became violent and attempted to take the law into their own hands.

The PPRO disclosed that the protesters attacked some officers and vandalised a Hyundai vehicle as well as parts of the Rapid Response Squad building.

“Further information reaching us on 30/03/2026 at about 1030hrs, that women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of Ekajuk Clan, Ogoja, stormed our Office at Area Command/Division, Ogoja, demanding the release of the murder suspect earlier transferred to SCID Calabar.

“The crowd turned violent, attacking officers and damaging a Hyundai vehicle and parts of the RRS building. Smoke canisters were deployed to disperse them, and eight suspects were arrested,” the statement read.

He added that normalcy was restored, while the suspects were later released to a community leader to help douse tension.

Etiokpah also confirmed that the murder suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar for further investigation.

He appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring that justice would be served. (The PUNCH)

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