A 33-year-old individual, Obi Amba-Ojong, has been arraigned in a magistrate court in Calabar, Cross River State, for allegedly fleeing from police custody and intentionally damaging a pair of handcuffs owned by the Nigeria Police Force.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Mercy Toney on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, under Charge No. MC/215c/2025.
The charges, lodged by the Legal and Prosecution Department of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, were endorsed by prosecuting counsel Solomon Awerikure.
According to police records, the incident took place on May 9, 2025, at Adijinkpor Junction, close to an army checkpoint in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The defendant was reportedly in lawful custody for a serious offence when he allegedly escaped, damaging the handcuffs during the act.
The two-count charge against Mr. Amba-Ojong encompasses escaping from lawful custody and deliberate destruction of police property. The offences are deemed punishable under Section 135(a) & (b), and Section 451 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Vol. III, Laws of Cross River State 2004.
The court granted the defendant bail in the amount of N500,000 and postponed the case to June 11, 2025, for further hearing.
Magistrate Toney highlighted the gravity of the charges, stating that such actions undermine the authority of law enforcement and the judicial system.
Represented by defense counsel Sunny Mgbe Esq., the defendant is required to appear in court on the next scheduled date. The case has attracted public attention, with community members eagerly awaiting further developments.
The prosecution is anticipated to present evidence to support its allegations, while the defense will aim for either an acquittal or a reduction of the charges.
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