Police Arrest 27-Year-Old Suspect Over Attack on Peter Obi’s Convoy in Calabar

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man following an attack on the convoy of former Anambra State Governor and Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar.

The incident occurred on Wednesday around Watt Market Roundabout as Obi’s convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, where the party was scheduled to hold a presidential town hall meeting.

In a statement, the police spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, identified the arrested suspect as Victor Duke, 27.

According to the police, the attack was allegedly carried out by a group of hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks. The suspected attackers reportedly emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis before targeting vehicles in the convoy.

The incident resulted in damage to the windshields of some vehicles, although the police said the exact number of affected vehicles had yet to be established.

Videos circulating on social media showed individuals wielding objects suspected to include an axe and striking the windshields of vehicles. However, the identities of the other individuals involved and the full circumstances surrounding the attack remained unclear.

The police said officers deployed in the area responded by firing tear gas to disperse the attackers. Victor Duke was arrested during the intervention, while other suspected participants reportedly escaped.

He was subsequently taken to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for investigation. The command said the move was intended to prevent possible reprisals and further breakdown of law and order.

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Ajo Ordue, has ordered a thorough investigation to identify and arrest other suspected participants and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The command also cautioned against treating the arrested man as guilty before the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent court proceedings.

It said normalcy had been restored around Watt Market Roundabout and assured residents, political stakeholders and visitors that adequate security measures remained in place.

The police further reiterated their commitment to providing equal protection to political parties, candidates and supporters, regardless of political affiliation.

The incident occurred during Obi’s series of town hall engagements across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.