The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the attack on the convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Calabar.
The attack occurred on Wednesday, November 4, when suspected hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks reportedly descended on vehicles in Obi’s convoy, smashing their windshields.
The police identified the arrested suspect as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, saying efforts were ongoing to track down other individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
In a statement, the police spokesperson, Eitokpah Akata, said the attack happened at about 2:20pm around the Watt Market Roundabout axis of Calabar.
He explained that Obi’s convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, where the NDC presidential candidate was scheduled to attend a party town hall meeting.
According to the police, the suspected attackers emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis before assaulting vehicles in the convoy and damaging their windshields.
The exact number of vehicles affected has yet to be established.
Akata said police personnel deployed in the area responded swiftly to contain the situation, adding that the arrested suspect was transferred to the State Police Headquarters for discreet investigation.
He said the transfer was also intended to prevent possible reprisal attacks and any further breakdown of law and order, noting that normalcy had since returned to the area.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and arrest other suspected participants and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police stressed that the arrest did not amount to a determination of guilt, adding that the suspect remained entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
The command also assured residents, political stakeholders and visitors of adequate security, pledging equal protection for all political parties, candidates and their supporters irrespective of political affiliation.