Man kills friend in Cross River over N500

A man has been arrested in Cross River State for allegedly stabbing his friend to death during a dispute over N500.

The suspect, identified as Ebino Mbang Ikpi, allegedly attacked 42-year-old Ayei Ekpe Ibor on Saturday afternoon at Kekoti, Ajere, in Yakurr Local Government Area.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the two men were reportedly given N500 as a gift to share before an argument broke out over how the money would be divided.

According to the police, the disagreement escalated into a fight during which Ibor was allegedly stabbed.

Ibor was confirmed dead following the attack, while Ikpi reportedly fled the scene.

Police operatives subsequently launched a search for the suspect and arrested him at about 8:40 a.m. in a hideout around the Ajere-Ekori area.

Ikpi was taken to the Yakurr Divisional Police Headquarters for detention and further investigation.

However, the arrest triggered a separate incident at the Ekori Police Division, where sympathisers and other residents allegedly mobilised to demand the suspect’s release.

The group reportedly attacked the police station after discovering that Ikpi was not being held there, throwing stones and damaging parts of the facility.

Police said seven windows, the DPO/DCO office door, six plastic chairs, a wall mirror, part of the station’s roofing and the passenger-side glass of the DPO’s official vehicle were damaged.

The residence of the Ajere Youth Leader, Omini Jacob, was also reportedly attacked after he was accused of assisting the police in the suspect’s arrest.

Eitokpah said police operatives dispersed the group and restored order, while additional security personnel were deployed to the station.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, ordered the suspect’s transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

He also directed the police to identify and arrest those allegedly involved in the attack on the police station and destruction of public and private property.