Police in Cross River State have arrested a 41-year-old man, Bassey Ekpo, in connection with an alleged arson attack on a house at 8 Miles in Calabar, the state capital.
The Cross River Police Command said the incident was reported on Friday at the Ikot Omin Police Division by the occupant of the house, Ekemini Stephen. Following the report, Ekpo was apprehended with the assistance of neighbours and taken to the police station.
According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, on Saturday, the suspect made claims during preliminary questioning implicating his mother in the alleged act. “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,” the statement said.
Eitokpah said police operatives visited the scene of the incident and took photographs as part of the evidence-gathering process.
The spokesperson added that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to establish whether any other persons were involved. Police also assured residents that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
Arson generally refers to the deliberate and unlawful setting of fire to property, and under Nigerian law it is treated as a serious criminal offence that can attract lengthy prison terms upon conviction.
Bassey Ekpo has been arrested but has not been convicted of any offence, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. His mother, named by police as the alleged instigator, remains at large as investigations continue.
Source: The Punch
