Security operatives have arrested a middle-aged patent medicine dealer named Ofofon in Calabar. He's accused of killing a young woman in the Afokang area of Calabar South Local Government Area.
Local vigilante members nabbed him early Wednesday morning. They caught him allegedly trying to wash bloodstains from his apartment.
Residents say the killing happened around midnight on Tuesday inside his home. Blood traces were still visible in a drainage channel near the building when news spread Wednesday morning.
Witnesses claim the victim arrived at his residence with two other people—a young woman and a young man. The man managed to escape and raised the alarm, they said.
Neighbours have long had doubts about the suspect's activities. They alleged screams frequently echoed from his apartment late at night.
Resident Umoren David told reporters the suspect tried to dispose of remains before returning around 2 a.m. "That's when vigilante members caught him washing away the bloodstains," David explained.
David also suggested the suspect may have committed similar crimes before. He believed authorities should investigate thoroughly.
Another resident, Ms Mmakamba, came forward with her own account. She alleged the suspect had repeatedly tried inviting young women from the neighbourhood to visit him, including her.
Mmakamba expressed gratitude she'd never accepted any of those invitations. She said she felt relieved by his arrest.
Hundreds of residents and onlookers gathered near the suspect's patent medicine store on Wednesday. Tension filled the area as news of the incident spread.
A security adviser named Steve Umo addressed the crowd alongside officers from Mbukpa Police Division. He confirmed the suspect and other connected persons were in custody.
Umo assured residents that security agencies would conduct a proper investigation. He promised that anyone found responsible would face arrest and prosecution.
Cross River State Police Command spokesperson ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata said an official statement would be released soon. Investigators are still gathering details about the incident.
