Police arrest two suspects over alleged murder of step-brother

The police in Cross River State have arrested two suspects for allegedly killing their step-brother in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state

In a statement on Monday, the police spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, said the suspects, Omini Ibiang, 28, and Emmanuel Ibiang, 26, allegedly attacked the deceased, Bassey Ibiang, over claims that he stole their elder sister’s bag.

According to the statement, a complainant, who reported the case to the police, said, “The deceased was allegedly tied by his hands and legs and inflicted with a deep machete wound to the head.

“He was subsequently taken to Ugep General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead, and his body was deposited in the hospital mortuary,” the statement said.

Police said they were informed of the incident on Sunday, after which they arrested the suspects.

“Police operatives visited the scene and commenced preliminary investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the respective roles of those involved,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Ordue, warned residents against resorting to violence over allegations of theft or other disputes.

He urged members of the public to report suspected offences to the police and allow the law to take its course.

The arrest comes amid other reported cases of killings in Cross River linked to alleged disputes and violence.

PREMIUM TIMES recently reported the arrest of a man accused of stabbing a 42-year-old man to death over a N500 gift.

The newspaper also reported police investigations into the deaths of two men allegedly attacked by a mob, as well as the arrest of a man over the alleged murder of his stepdaughter, whom he accused of witchcraft.

In another case, a pastor was sentenced to death by hanging for killing his daughter.