Cross River man Bassey Ekpo arrested for arson, says mother sent him

The police in Cross River State have arrested a 41-year-old man, Bassey Ekpo, for allegedly setting a house ablaze in the 8 Miles area of Calabar.

The incident was reported on Friday at the Ikot Omin Police Division by the occupant of the house, Ekemini Stephen.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah, neighbours helped apprehend Ekpo and took him to the police station.

Eitokpah said the suspect, during preliminary questioning, allegedly claimed that his 61-year-old mother sent him to set the building on fire.

“With the assistance of neighbours, the suspect was apprehended and brought to the police station,” the police spokesperson said in a statement.

“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.”

Police operatives visited the scene and took photographs as part of the evidence-gathering process.

The command said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and working to establish the involvement of other persons.

It assured residents that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

Dear Vows