Police operatives in Cross River State have arrested a man accused of repeatedly assaulting his fiancée and threatening her life, recovering a locally made pistol, two live cartridges and a beret suspected to be linked to a confraternity during a search of his residence.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged by the suspect’s fiancée, a resident of Ibiaeh Palm Estate in Biase Local Government Area, who allegedly reported a pattern of physical assault and threats against her.
The development has also raised questions about the possible connection between the suspect and a secret cult group, although the police say investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the recovered items and verify the alleged affiliation.
The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed the incident in a statement issued in Calabar on Wednesday.
Fiancée Reports Alleged Assault and Threats to Life
According to the police, the woman reported her fiancé to the Biase Police Division on October 18, alleging that he had repeatedly assaulted her and threatened her life.
The complaint prompted police attention as officers began looking into the allegations and information surrounding the suspect.
Eitokpah said the report was followed by a search of the suspect’s residence on October 19.
The search was conducted after police received information allegedly linking the man to suspected membership of a secret cult group.
During the operation, officers reportedly discovered a locally made pistol, two live cartridges and a black beret suspected to be associated with the Aye Confraternity.
The items were recovered for further investigation as the police work to determine their connection to the allegations against the suspect.
Police Recover Locally Made Pistol, Two Cartridges
The recovery of the firearm and ammunition forms a key part of the ongoing investigation.
Police spokesperson Eitokpah confirmed that operatives found the locally made pistol, two live cartridges and the black beret while searching the suspect’s residence.
However, the command has not established the circumstances surrounding the possession of the recovered items or confirmed the suspect’s alleged connection to the confraternity.
“The suspect will remain in police custody as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the recovery and verify his alleged cult affiliation,” Eitokpah said.
The police are expected to examine the recovered items and gather further information as part of their investigation.
The allegations of assault, threats to life and possible cult involvement remain matters for investigation, and the suspect’s guilt has not been established.
Cross River Police Vow to Tackle Cultism and Violent Crimes
The Cross River State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to addressing cult-related activities, illegal possession of firearms, threats to life and other violent crimes across the state.
Eitokpah quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ajo Ordue, as reaffirming the command’s determination to investigate reported offences and take appropriate legal action where evidence supports prosecution.
Ordue also urged residents to report suspicious activities and threats to their safety promptly through recognised security channels.
The commissioner assured members of the public that the police would conduct a thorough investigation into the case and pursue prosecution in accordance with the law.
The command’s appeal underscores the importance of cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies in identifying potential threats and responding to reports of violence.
Investigation Continues as Suspect Remains in Custody
The suspect remains in police custody while investigators seek to establish the facts surrounding the complaint and the items recovered from his residence.
The investigation will determine the circumstances of the alleged assaults and threats, as well as whether the firearm and ammunition were unlawfully possessed and whether the suspected cult connection can be substantiated.
The police have not announced a final outcome in the case.
Meanwhile, the command has encouraged residents of Biase and other parts of Cross River State to report threats, suspected criminal activities and other security concerns to the appropriate authorities.
The case highlights the importance of taking allegations of domestic violence and threats to life seriously, while ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly and that any prosecution follows due process.
As inquiries continue, the police say they remain committed to protecting residents and holding offenders accountable in accordance with the law.
Source: NAN
