The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 56-year-old man, Azubike Micheal, for allegedly instigating a mob attack on a man accused of stealing mobile phones around Harbour Junction, Calabar.

The incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following a distress call received by the police command.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, a police patrol team was immediately deployed to the scene, where officers found a man identified as Chukwu Ebuka being attacked by a mob.

The police intervened and rescued Ebuka from the mob before evacuating him to an undisclosed clinic, where he is currently receiving treatment for multiple injuries sustained during the attack.

The command said Micheal was subsequently arrested following allegations that he instigated the mob and encouraged others to subject Ebuka to jungle justice.

The 56-year-old suspect is currently in police custody, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the allegations that led to the mob attack.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing crime and maintaining public order in accordance with the law.

Ordue cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that anyone suspected of committing an offence should be handed over to the police for investigation and due process.

He also urged residents to promptly report suspected criminal activities and distress situations to the police rather than resorting to mob violence.

The police command said its swift intervention prevented the alleged mob lynching and demonstrated its proactive approach to public safety and its determination to prevent threats to life and public order through timely response.

The command added that further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.