The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old suspected member of a local vigilante group, Ushie Joseph, over an alleged armed robbery and shooting in Effraya Village, Etung Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, according to the command, occurred around 11pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, while it was reported to the police at about 1:45am the following day.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, and made available to journalists in Calabar on Saturday, the command said preliminary investigation showed that Joseph allegedly attacked and shot Amachi Victor, 36, with a locally fabricated pistol.
The statement partly read, “The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a local vigilante group, Ushie Joseph ‘m’, 36 years, in connection with an alleged armed robbery and shooting incident involving one Amachi Victor, 36, of Effraya Village, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State.
“The incident was reported at about 1:45am on 17 September 2026, following an alleged attack on the victim at about 11pm on 16 September 2026.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect allegedly attacked and shot the victim with a locally fabricated pistol during the incident.”
Eitokpah said the victim was taken to a hospital in Ikom for treatment, where he was still receiving medical attention.
He added that detectives had visited both the scene of the incident and the hospital as part of the investigation.
According to the police, the victim also alleged that $5,000 was stolen from him during the attack.
“The victim further alleged that he was robbed of the sum of Five Thousand United States Dollars (US$5,000) during the incident. The allegation remains subject to investigation and will be established through evidence and due legal process,” Eitokpah said.
The police spokesman said intelligence-led operations enabled officers to track Joseph to his hideout, where he was arrested.
A locally fabricated pistol suspected to have been used in the incident was also recovered and kept as an exhibit.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, ordered the investigating team to carry out a thorough and professional investigation, properly document all relevant evidence and ensure that the suspect is subjected to due process in accordance with the law.
The command said it would provide further information on the case as the investigation progresses.
