The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man over the attack on the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar.
The suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, was arrested following an incident on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in which suspected hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks attacked vehicles in Obi’s convoy, smashing their windshields.
Obi had earlier raised the alarm over the attack, which occurred during his visit to Calabar for a town hall meeting as part of his nationwide political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Akata, said the incident occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. around the Watt Market Roundabout as the convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, the venue of the town hall meeting.
According to the police, the suspected attackers emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis before launching an attack on vehicles within the convoy, resulting in damage to some windshields.
Akata said the exact number of vehicles affected was yet to be determined, adding that police operatives in the area responded swiftly to contain the situation.
He disclosed that the arrested suspect had been transferred to the state police headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation and to prevent possible reprisals or further breaches of public peace.
The police spokesperson said normalcy had since returned to the area, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, had ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify all those involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Akata stressed that the arrest of the suspect did not automatically establish his guilt, noting that he remained entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
The command assured residents, political stakeholders and visitors that adequate security arrangements remained in place to protect lives and property and ensure the peaceful conduct of lawful political activities across the state.
It also reiterated its commitment to providing equal security protection to all political parties, candidates and their supporters, regardless of political affiliation.
