By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A 36-year-old man, Charles Ekuma Eze, died after an alleged stabbing during an argument in Etayip Community, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State. The incident occurred on July 4, 2026, and the Cross River State Police Command confirmed it on Monday. Police arrested the 42-year-old suspect, Michael Ndifon, recovered the alleged murder weapon, and launched a full investigation.
Police confirm fatal stabbing in Ikom
The Cross River State Police Command said officers at the Ikom Police Division received a report about the incident at about 10:37 p.m. on July 4, 2026.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement issued in Calabar on Monday.
According to him, Ndifon Ndifon of Aya Street, Ikom, and Felix Agbor of Mankono Village, Ikom, reported the case. They serve as the Task Force Chairman and Youth Leader of Asse-Asin Community, respectively.
Argument reportedly turned violent
Eitokpah said preliminary investigations showed that the incident happened at about 5:46 p.m. the same day.
He alleged that Michael Ndifon, 42, stabbed Charles Ekuma Eze, 36, on the right side of his rib with a dagger during an argument.
Residents quickly rushed the victim to Holy Family Hospital, Ikom, for treatment.
However, doctors later referred him to Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, due to the severity of his injuries.
Medical personnel confirmed Eze dead while treating him at the facility.
Police arrest suspect, recover dagger
Following the incident, police arrested the suspect and recovered the suspected murder weapon.
Eitokpah said officers have kept the dagger as evidence.
He also confirmed that investigators deposited the deceased’s body in the hospital morgue for an autopsy.
Case transferred to SCID
The police spokesperson said the command had begun a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
He added that authorities would transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
“The corpse has been deposited in the hospital morgue for an autopsy. The suspect has been arrested, and the suspected murder weapon recovered as an exhibit. Investigation is ongoing, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a discreet investigation,” Eitokpah said.
Police urge calm
The police urged residents to remain calm while detectives conclude their investigation.
Eitokpah assured the public that the command would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
