Thursday, May 29, 2025 - A 33-year-old man, Obi Amba-Ojong, has been charged in a magistrate court in Calabar, Cross River State, for allegedly escaping from police custody and willfully damaging a pair of handcuffs belonging to the Nigeria Police Force.
The suspect was brought before Magistrate Mercy Toney, on
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 under Charge No. MC/215c/2025.
The charges, filed by the Legal and Prosecution Department
of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, were signed by
prosecuting counsel Solomon Awerikure.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on May 9,
2025, at Adijinkpor Junction, near an army checkpoint in Ikom Local Government
Area of Cross River State.
The accused was said to have been in lawful custody for a
felonious offence when he allegedly broke free, damaging the handcuffs in the
process.
The two-count charge against Mr. Amba-Ojong includes
escaping from lawful custody and wilful destruction of police property. The
offences are said to be punishable under Section 135(a) & (b), and Section
451 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Vol. III, Laws of Cross River State
2004.
The court granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000
and adjourned the case to June 11, 2025, for hearing.
Magistrate Toney emphasized the seriousness of the charges,
noting that such acts undermine the authority of law enforcement and the
justice system.
Represented by defense counsel Sunny Mgbe Esq., the
defendant is expected to appear in court on the next adjourned date. The case
has drawn public interest, with community members keenly awaiting further
developments.
The prosecution is expected to present evidence to
substantiate its claims, while the defense will seek either an acquittal or
mitigation of the charges.
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