By Ado Oyeyemi
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 41-year-old man, Bassey Ekpo, for allegedly setting a house on fire at 8 Miles in Calabar, the state capital.
The incident was reported at the Ikot Omin Police Division on Friday by the occupant of the building, identified as Ekemini Stephen.
The command’s spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the suspect was apprehended with the assistance of neighbours.
According to the police, Ekpo was taken to the station following his arrest, where he was subjected to preliminary questioning over the alleged arson.
Eitokpah said the suspect allegedly told investigators that he carried out the act at the instance of his 61-year-old mother.
The police spokesperson stated that the suspect’s mother had since gone into hiding and was being regarded by investigators as the alleged mastermind of the incident.
“During preliminary questioning, he allegedly claimed that he was sent by his 61-year-old mother, who is currently at large and has been named as the alleged instigator,” the statement partly read.
The police said operatives had visited the scene of the fire and taken photographs as part of efforts to document evidence and assist the investigation.
Eitokpah added that detectives were continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether other individuals were involved.
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He assured residents that the command would ensure that anyone found culpable after investigation would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
