By Our Reporter
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Cross River State have allegedly unleashed violence on an On-Air-Personality with Radio Nigeria (Canaan City FM 99.5), Prince Alobi, during an operation in Calabar.
The incident occurred on Monday, October 25, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m. at the Parliamentary Extension by Lemna Road, near the Northwest Filling Station.
According to reports, the chaos ensued when NDLEA operatives began shooting sporadically into the air while attempting to effect the arrest of a woman in the area.
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Alobi, who was at his office nearby, stepped out to gather information on the development in line with his constitutional duties under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). However, his attempt to cover the event turned violent.
Recounting the ordeal in his Facebook post, Alobi said, “I heard gunshots from my office at Lemna at about 3pm yesterday, so I asked what was going on. Stepped out to see for myself as people had gathered.”
“I obviously saw it was the NDLEA effecting an arrest, I walked across to see what is happening after telling my station we need to get the news. All I received was a slap from a personnel of the agency that got me blacked out and breaking my glasses to my face.”
The OAP stated that despite identifying himself, the assault continued unabated.
“Even when I was screaming, ‘I am a PRESS man,’ gun hits followed and I was bundled and thrown to the trunk of their Hilux (truck). They collected my iPhones and smashed them both,” he added.
Alobi disclosed that the attack has left his professional and personal life grounded, noting that his damaged phones have cut him off from communication. Furthermore, he revealed that the physical toll of the assault has severely impacted his health.
“NDLEA, this is 3am, and I can barely sleep from the vicious beatings and pains inflicted on me yesterday. I have been groaning through the night and did not sleep as most especially my ribs, amongst other parts are in severe pain,” Alobi said, demanding accountability and justice. “What is my crime again as a press man working for Radio Nigeria (FRCN)?”
When contacted on Tuesday, the Media Advocacy Officer of the NDLEA Cross River State Command, Sebastian Lebo, acknowledged the incident and stated that the command is taking steps to address the situation.
Lebo stated, “The Command is aware of the OAP’s incident. He’s going to be compensated and his damaged phones will be replaced,” adding that an official press statement would be issued regarding the matter.
