Police arrest suspect behind assault on Peter Obi convoy

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man, recognized as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, over the alleged assault on the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, round Watt Market Roundabout, alongside the Calabar Road axis of the state capital, whereas Obi’s convoy was getting back from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, venue of the celebration’s presidential city corridor assembly.

According to an announcement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the assault occurred at about 2:20 p.m. when suspected hoodlums, reportedly armed with machetes and sticks, emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and attacked automobiles within the convoy.

The assertion disclosed that the attackers smashed the windshields of some automobiles, including that the precise variety of automobiles affected was but to be established.

Following the intervention of safety operatives, one of many suspected attackers, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, was arrested, whereas others reportedly fled the scene.

According to the police, “the suspect has subsequently been transferred to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, for discreet investigation and to prevent possible reprisals or further breakdown of law and order.”

The Command confirmed that “normalcy has since returned to the affected area.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered an intensive investigation into the incident, directing officers to establish and apprehend different people allegedly concerned within the assault.

The police, nonetheless, cautioned in opposition to drawing conclusions from the arrest, emphasising that “the arrest does not establish the suspect’s guilt.”

It added that the suspect stays entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent judicial proceedings.

The Command additionally reassured residents, political stakeholders and guests of ample safety throughout the state, stressing that “all political parties, candidates and their supporters would receive equal protection irrespective of their political affiliations.”