By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River State Police Command has announced the arrest of two men suspected of operating a “one chance” robbery syndicate in the state capital. The suspects, identified as 25-year-old Leo Celestine and 30-year-old Ndiana-Abasi William, were apprehended following a violent robbery on Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 AM on April 16, 2026. According to reports, the suspects were posing as passengers in a commercial minibus when they targeted 20-year-old Goodness (Surname withheld), a student at the School of Nursing, Calabar.
The victim was reportedly dispossessed of her Android smartphone and other personal effects before being forcibly pushed out of the moving vehicle.
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The situation took a turn when the driver of the minibus immediately halted the vehicle and raised an alarm, initiating a chase toward the Bogobiri area. Police operatives on duty responded to the distress call, joining the pursuit and successfully intercepting the two suspects.
During police interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being active members of the Vikings Confraternity. They admitted to specializing in “one chance” operations – a method where robbers use commercial vehicles to trap and rob unsuspecting commuters. The duo also confessed to selling stolen items to a network of receivers operating within the Calabar metropolis.
ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Cross River State, confirmed that the stolen phone and other valuables were recovered during the arrest.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate, including the individuals who receive and distribute the stolen properties,” ASP Eitokpah stated in a statement on Thursday.
The Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property within the state. The police are urging residents to remain vigilant and utilize the Command’s emergency control lines (07041777060, 07053355415) to report any suspicious activities.
The suspects are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
