Police arrest suspect over attack on Peter Obi’s convoy in Calabar

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

The incident happened on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, around Watt Market Roundabout, along Calabar Road in the state capital.

Obi’s convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, where the NDC was holding its presidential town hall meeting, when the attack occurred.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the incident happened at about 2:20 p.m.

The police said suspected hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley areas and attacked vehicles in the convoy.

Some of the attackers reportedly smashed the windshields of vehicles. However, the police said the exact number of vehicles damaged was yet to be confirmed.

Following the intervention of security operatives, one of the suspected attackers, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, was arrested, while others escaped.

The police said the suspect had been transferred to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for further investigation.

The transfer, according to the police, was also aimed at preventing possible reprisals and further breakdown of law and or further breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

He also directed officers to identify and arrest other suspects believed to have participated in the attack.

However, the police warned against assuming that the arrested man was guilty, stressing that his arrest did not amount to proof of wrongdoing.

The Command said the suspect remained innocent until investigations were completed and a court determined his guilt.

The police also assured residents, political parties, candidates and their supporters of adequate security across the state.

It added that all political parties and their candidates would receive equal protection regardless of their political affiliations