The police in Cross River State yesterday arraigned a 33-year-old man, Obi Amba-Ojong, before a Magistrate’s Court in Calabar for allegedly escaping from custody and destroying government property.

During court proceedings on May 27, 2025, the Inspector General of Police charged Amba-Ojong with two counts: unlawful escape from custody and wilful destruction of police handcuffs. Both offences are punishable under the Cross River State Criminal Code.

The incident reportedly took place on May 9 at Adijinkpor junction, near an army checkpoint in Ikom Local Council. Police alleged that the suspect, who was under lawful arrest for an undisclosed felony, broke free from custody and damaged the handcuffs used to restrain him.

Appearing before Magistrate Mercy Toney under charge No. MC/215c/2025, Amba-Ojong pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 and adjourned the case to June 11 for further hearing.