Calabar Court Arraigns 33-Year-Old Obi Amba-Ojong for Escaping Police Custody and Damaging Handcuffs
In a case that has sparked significant public interest in Cross River State, a 33-year-old man, Obi Amba-Ojong, has been arraigned before a magistrate court in Calabar, the state capital. The suspect is facing serious criminal charges related to allegedly escaping from police custody and damaging a pair of handcuffs belonging to the Nigeria Police Force.
This incident, which has since gone viral across local communities in Ikom Local Government Area, was brought before Magistrate Mercy Toney on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The case, registered under Charge No. MC/215c/2025, is being closely monitored by legal experts and concerned citizens who are eager to see how the justice system handles allegations of police defiance and destruction of government property.
Details of the Incident at Ikom: A Brazen Escape from Lawful Custody
According to official police reports filed by the Legal and Prosecution Department of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, the incident occurred on May 9, 2025, at Adijinkpor Junction, which is close to an army checkpoint in Ikom LGA. The defendant, Mr. Obi Amba-Ojong, was reportedly in lawful custody for a felonious offence when he made a daring escape from the police.
During his attempted flight, Mr. Amba-Ojong allegedly damaged the handcuffs that were used to restrain him. These handcuffs, which are official property of the Nigeria Police Force, were reportedly rendered unusable after the incident. The police claim that the act of breaking the handcuffs was intentional and constituted willful destruction of government property.
This act of defiance is not being taken lightly by the authorities. The charges brought against the defendant are serious and carry legal penalties, especially under the existing criminal laws of Cross River State.
Legal Charges: What the Law Says
The two-count charge against Obi Amba-Ojong includes:
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Escaping from lawful custody
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Wilful destruction of police property
These offences are punishable under:
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Section 135(a) & (b) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Vol. III, Laws of Cross River State 2004, which deals with offences relating to obstruction and escape from lawful custody.
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Section 451 of the same law, which outlines penalties for malicious damage to property, particularly government-owned items such as police equipment.
These laws are in place to ensure that law enforcement authorities maintain order, and anyone who attempts to undermine their work faces strict consequences.
Court Proceedings: Bail and Adjournment
At the court sitting presided over by Magistrate Mercy Toney, the charges were formally read to the defendant. The prosecuting counsel, Solomon Awerikure, represented the Nigeria Police Force and emphasized the gravity of the charges, particularly the implications of escaping from custody and damaging public property.
In her remarks, Magistrate Toney highlighted how acts like this undermine the authority of law enforcement and shake public confidence in the justice system.
“Such acts undermine the authority of law enforcement and the justice system,” Magistrate Mercy Toney warned during the proceedings.
After listening to the submissions from both sides, the magistrate court granted bail to the defendant. He was released on N500,000 bail with conditions attached. The case has been adjourned to June 11, 2025, for hearing.
This adjournment will allow both the prosecution and defense enough time to prepare their cases. The prosecution is expected to present evidence to substantiate its allegations, while the defense team, led by Sunny Mgbe Esq., will be seeking to either secure an acquittal or argue for reduced charges.
Public Reaction and Community Interest
The case has stirred strong reactions in the local community. With security issues and police accountability becoming hot-button topics in Nigeria, many residents in Ikom and Calabar are closely following the proceedings.
In marketplaces, town halls, and social gatherings, discussions about Obi Amba-Ojong’s escape and the broader implications for law enforcement integrity are becoming more frequent. Some are questioning how someone in lawful custody could manage to escape, while others are concerned about the increasing boldness of criminal suspects in the state.
Social media platforms in Cross River State have also lit up with debates. While some users expressed sympathy for the suspect, suggesting he might have been desperate or wrongfully detained, others insisted that law enforcement must be respected and that such behaviour should not be tolerated.
Implications for Law Enforcement in Nigeria
This case is more than just an isolated incident; it touches on larger systemic issues within the Nigerian justice system. Escaping from police custody is not only a criminal act but also a security breach that raises questions about law enforcement procedures, especially during prisoner transportation and detention.
If the prosecution proves that Obi Amba-Ojong broke the handcuffs deliberately, it could lead to a conviction under Section 451 of the Cross River State Criminal Code, which carries stiff penalties including jail time and fines. Conversely, if the defense counsel can argue that the escape was either accidental or coerced under duress, the charges could be mitigated.
For law enforcement, this case is a critical reminder of the need to tighten security measures, improve custodial infrastructure, and ensure that officers are trained to handle suspects without lapses.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Obi Amba-Ojong?
As the next court date of June 11, 2025, approaches, many are waiting to see how the case unfolds. Will the prosecution present compelling evidence? Will there be eyewitness testimony from the army checkpoint near Adijinkpor Junction? Could video footage or documentation from that day influence the outcome?
On the other hand, the defense is expected to argue strongly for their client’s innocence or reduced culpability. If successful, this could lead to a dismissal of one or both charges, or a more lenient sentence.
Until then, Obi Amba-Ojong remains free on bail, but the weight of the charges against him looms large.
Conclusion: Justice Must Prevail
The Nigerian justice system is built on the pillars of law, order, and accountability. While everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, it is also important to ensure that no individual, regardless of status or circumstance, is above the law.
As the legal process continues, NaijaRush will provide regular updates and in-depth analysis to keep our readers informed. We believe in justice, fairness, and the role of public awareness in shaping a better Nigeria.
