By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River State Police Command has officially responded to a viral video circulating on social media which alleged unlawful entry and indiscriminate arrests by officers at an apartment in White House street, Calabar.
In a press statement released on Thursday March 26, 2026, the Command clarified that the operation was not a random raid but a “targeted, intelligence-driven” action aimed at curbing serious financial crimes.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the officers involved were operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Crack Unit. He noted that the team was acting on a formal petition from the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
“The action was executed pursuant to a duly endorsed petition… concerning serious allegations of computer-related fraud, money laundering, and advance fee fraud,” the statement read.
The response follows a wave of criticism on X (formerly Twitter), where users shared footage of the encounter, claiming that the entry into the lodge was unauthorized and that arrests were made without proper cause.
While maintaining that the operation was legitimate, Eitokpah stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, has moved to address concerns regarding the conduct of the operatives. The Command confirmed that an internal review has been launched to determine if the officers adhered to standard operating procedures.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate review of the incident to ensure full compliance with due process,” Eitokpah stated. He further warned that “any officer found to have acted outside the law will be dealt with accordingly.”
Meanwhile, the Command has urged residents and the general public to exercise restraint and refrain from sharing unverified clips or information that could incite tension.
The statement also reiterated the Command’s commitment to “lawful, professional, and accountable policing,” assuring the public that the fight against cybercrime will continue to be conducted within the framework of the law.
