Police arrest suspected cultist for allegedly assaulting his fiancée in Cross River

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a suspected cultist for alleged assault and threats to life. 

The spokesperson for the command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 20, 2026 said operatives recovered a locally made pistol and ammunition from the suspect identified as Sylvester Otu.

According to the PPRO, the arrest followed a complaint by the suspect’s fiancée, alleging that he subjected her to repeated assaults and threats to her life.

“A subsequent search of his residence on 19 October 2026 yielded a locally made pistol, two live cartridges and a black beret allegedly associated with the Aye Confraternity,” the statement read. 

“On 18 October 2026, a female resident of Ibiaeh Palm Estate reported at the Biase Police Division that her fiancé, Sylvester Otu, allegedly subjected her to repeated assaults and threats to her life.

“Acting on information linking the suspect to suspected membership of the Aye Confraternity, police operatives searched his residence and recovered the firearm, ammunition and black beret. 

“The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the recovery and verify the alleged cult affiliation.” 

The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, reiterates the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, threats to life and other violent crimes. 

He urges residents to promptly report suspicious activities and threats to their safety through appropriate security channels.

“The Command assures the public that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and that any prosecution will be pursued in accordance with the law. The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement added.