CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Inspector General of Police has arraigned a 33-year-old man, Mr Obi Amba-Ojong, before a Calabar Magistrate Court for allegedly escaping from police custody and wilfully damaging a pair of handcuffs belonging to the Nigeria Police Force.
The defendant was brought before Magistrate Mercy Toney of Court 1, Moore Road, Calabar, on Monday, 27 May 2025, in charge No. MC/215c/2025. The matter was instituted by the Legal/Prosecution Department of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6, Calabar, with Solomon Awerikure serving as the prosecuting counsel.
According to the police, Mr Amba-Ojong was in lawful custody at Adijinkpor Junction, near the Army checkpoint in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State on 9 May 2025, when he allegedly broke free, destroying the handcuffs restraining him in the process.
The defendant is facing a two-count charge: escaping from lawful custody and wilful destruction of police property. The police noted that these offences are punishable under Sections 135(a) & (b), and 451 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Vol. III, Laws of Cross River State, 2004.
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The charge sheet, as read in court, stated:
“Count One: That you, Obi Amba-Ojong, on the 9th day of May 2025, at Adijinkpor junction/army checkpoint in Ikom, within the Calabar Magisterial District, did, being in lawful custody for a felonious offence, escape from such custody while in handcuffs, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 135(a) & (b) of the Criminal Code Law.”
“Count Two: That you, Obi Amba-Ojong, on the aforementioned date and place, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did willfully and unlawfully destroy and damage one handcuff with which you escaped, property of the Nigeria Police Force, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 451 of the Criminal Code Law.”
After hearing the charges, Magistrate Toney granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦500,000 and adjourned the matter to 11 June 2025 for hearing. She further instructed the defence counsel, Sunny Mgbe Esq., to ensure that the defendant was present in court on the said date.
The case has attracted attention within the local community, with many residents keenly observing the proceedings due to its implications for law enforcement and public order. Legal analysts suggest that the outcome of the case may serve as a benchmark for how crimes involving escape from custody are handled in the state.
If convicted, Amba-Ojong could face penalties stipulated in the applicable provisions of the Criminal Code Law.