The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has arraigned a 33-year-old man, Mr. Obi Amba, before a Calabar Magistrate Court for allegedly destroying police handcuffs and escaping from custody.
The police who dragged Obi to court accused him of breaking free from their grasp at Adijinkpor junction/army checkpoint in Ikom local government area in Cross River State, allegedly damaging the handcuffs in the process.
The court granted Obi Amba-Ojong bail in the sum of N500,000 and adjourned the matter to June 11, 2025, for hearing.
The defendant faces two counts which include, escaping from lawful custody and wilfully damaging police property.
The case between the Inspector General of Police ( complainant) vs Mr. Obi Amba -Ojong, (defendant) was brought before the Calabar Magisterial District yesterday.
The police alleged that the offence is punishable under section 135(a)&(b) of the criminal code law, Cap. C16 Vol.111 Laws of Cross River State 2004.
In a two-count charge read by the court, the presiding magistrate, Magistrate Mercy Toney, in charge No.: MC/215c/2025, the court insisted that the offence is punishable.
The case was heard at court 1, Moore Road Calabar, on May 27, 2025. It highlights the seriousness with which the authorities view crimes involving escape from custody and destruction of public property.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the defendant, if convicted, could face penalties as outlined in the relevant sections of the Criminal Code Law.
The charges read, ” Count one, that you Obi Amba -Ojong, on May 9, 2025, at Adijinkpor junction/army check point Ikom, within the Calabar magisterial district, did, being in lawful custody for a felonious offence, escape from such custody with handcuffs thereby committed offence that is punishable under section 135(a)&(b) of the criminal code law, cap C16 Vol.111 laws of Cross River state 2004.
“Count two, that you Obi Amba -Ojong, on the aforesaid date and place within the jurisdiction of this honourable court , did , wilfully and unlawfully destroyed and damaged one handcuffs which you escaped with.
“Property of the Nigeria police force (NPF), and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 451of the criminal code of law, cap 16, Vol. 111 laws of Cross River state 2024.”. Magistrate Mercy stated.
In charge No: MC/215c/2025, signed by prosecuting counsel, legal/ prosecution department Nigeria police force zone 6, Calabar, Solomon Awerikure, dated May 27, 2025, the court asked defence counsel Sunny Mgbe Esq. to ensure that suspect is brought to court on June 11, 2025 for hearing of the case.
The case has sparked interest in the community, with many awaiting the outcome of the June 11 hearing.
The prosecution must present evidence to support the charges, while the defence will argue their case to demonstrate innocence or mitigate the charges.
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