Cross River man nabbed over arson

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A 41-year-old man, Bassey Ekpo, has been arrested by the police in Cross River for allegedly setting a house ablaze at 8 Miles in Calabar, the state capital.

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The Cross River Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, on Saturday, said the incident was reported on Friday at the Ikot Omin Police Division by the occupant of the house, Ekemini Stephen.

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Eitokpah added that, with the help of neighbours, the suspect was apprehended and taken to the police station.

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The police spokesperson said that during preliminary questioning, the suspect allegedly claimed that he was sent by his 61-year-old mother.

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He added that police operatives had visited the scene of the incident and taken photographs as part of evidence gathering.

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“With the assistance of neighbours, the suspect was apprehended and brought to the Police Station. During preliminary questioning, he allegedly claimed that he was sent by his 61-year-old mother, who is currently at large and has been named as the alleged instigator,” part of the statement said.

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Eitokpah said the investigation was ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ascertain the involvement of other persons.

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The police further assured residents that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

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