The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old student, Emmanuel Ejim, in connection with a viral video allegedly showing suspected cult members firing gunshots from a moving vehicle in Calabar.

The Command, in a statement signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the incident occurred in the early hours of September 17, 2026, prompting Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, to direct the immediate identification and arrest of those involved.

According to the police, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, and operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) commenced an intelligence-led operation at about 11:30 p.m. on September 17.

The operation, the Command said, led to the identification and tracking of the vehicle captured in the viral footage and the subsequent arrest of its driver.

The information obtained from the driver reportedly helped the police trace Ejim to a hotel in Calabar, where he was arrested.

The police identified Ejim as a student of the University of Cross River (UNICROSS) and said he allegedly identified himself during questioning as a leader of the Vikings Confraternity.

He allegedly admitted being the person seen firing the shots in the viral video.

The suspect also allegedly told investigators that he participated in a sign-out activity on the day of the incident and that another suspected member of the group handed him the pistol allegedly used in the shooting.

The Command said efforts had been intensified to identify and arrest other persons linked to the incident, adding that the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm and movement of the vehicle remained under investigation.

The Commissioner of Police directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and comprehensively, with anyone found to have participated in or facilitated the alleged act brought before the law.

The Command warned that the unlawful discharge of firearms in public places constituted a serious security concern and urged residents to report suspicious movements, possession of firearms and cult-related activities to the police.

The police said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses. (The Guardian)