A 41-year-old man, Bassey Ekpo, has been arrested by the police in Cross River State for allegedly setting a house ablaze in the 8 Miles area of Calabar, the state capital.
The Punch reported that the state Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, on Saturday.
According to Eitokpah, the incident was reported on Friday at the Ikot Omin Police Division by the occupant of the affected house, Ekemini Stephen.
He said neighbours subsequently assisted in apprehending Ekpo, who was taken to the police station for questioning.
The police spokesperson said the suspect allegedly told investigators during preliminary questioning that he had been sent by his 61-year-old mother.
“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.
Eitokpah added that police operatives had visited the scene and taken photographs as part of efforts to gather evidence.
He said investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The command assured residents that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
