Calabar police assault: ADC guber candidate urges evidence-based justice
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River, Mrs Nkoyo Toyo, has condemned a recent reported assault of a police officer in Calabar.
Toyo while condemning the action in an interview with the news reporters in Calabar on Wednesday, said police officers, like every other citizen, were entitled to protection under the law while performing their lawful duties..
The newsmen recall that the incident reportedly occurred on Sept. 15, 2026, during a confrontation between roadside traders and others around the Watt Market area in the state capital.
Following the incident, the State Police Command arrested some suspects in connection with the alleged assault.
Toyo who was a former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation and prosecution of all persons found culpable in the incident.
According to her, attacking a law enforcement officer undermines public safety, weakens respect for the rule of law and threatens the security of the wider community.
She however said that justice must be guided by evidence, fairness and due process, rather than collective punishment or arbitrary arrests.
The ADC governorship candidate urged the state police command to ensure that the investigation and prosecution of the alleged attackers were conducted diligently, professionally and transparently.
”Every suspect must be treated as innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” she said.
She added that persons against whom credible evidence was established should be made to face the full consequences of the law in accordance with due process.
She also urged the state police command to provide timely updates and ensure that the rights of all parties were respected throughout proceedings.
”The people of Cross River deserve a justice system that protects police officers, safeguards citizens and upholds the rule of law without fear or favour,” Toyo emphasised.