The Cross River State Police Command has arrested two suspected “one chance” robbers in Calabar, in a swift operation that also led to the recovery of stolen items.
Police spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed that the suspects, Leo Celestine, 25, and Ndiana-Abasi William, 30, were apprehended in connection with a robbery incident involving a young student.
According to the Command, the incident occurred on April 16, 2026, when the suspects, posing as passengers in a commercial minibus, allegedly attacked a 20-year-old student of the School of Nursing, Calabar, identified as Goodness. The suspects reportedly dispossessed her of her Android phone and other valuables before pushing her out of the moving vehicle.
In a courageous response, the driver of the minibus immediately stopped, raised an alarm, and pursued the fleeing suspects towards the Bogobiri area, drawing the attention of security operatives.
Police officers, acting on the distress call, swiftly joined the chase and successfully arrested the suspects. The victim’s stolen phone and other belongings were recovered during the operation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly belong to the Vikings Confraternity and confessed to engaging in “one chance” robbery operations, targeting unsuspecting members of the public and selling stolen items within the metropolis.
The Police Command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate, including receivers of stolen property.
The Command reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property, urging residents to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious activities via its control room lines: 07041777060 and 07053355415, or at the nearest police formation.
Kingsley Agim
