Police arrest man over Cross River house fire

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The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 41-year-old man, Bassey Ekpo, over the alleged setting ablaze of a house at 8 Miles in Calabar, the state capital.

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In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Calabar, the command said the incident was reported on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Ikot Omin Police Division by the occupant of the house, Ekemini Stephen.

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

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The statement read, “The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 41-year-old man, Bassey Ekpo, in connection with the alleged setting ablaze of a residence at 8 Miles, Calabar.

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“The incident was reported today, Friday, 11 September 2026 at the Ikot Omin police division by the occupant of the house, Ekemini Stephen, who stated that while he was in church, he received a phone call from a neighbour informing him that his residence had been set ablaze.”

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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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ASP 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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