16-year-old in police custody over alleged killing of 20-year-old in Cross River

16-year-old in police custody over alleged killing of 20-year-old in Cross River

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested by the Cross River State Police Command over the alleged stabbing death of a 20-year-old man, Uwem Daniel Akpan, following a reported misunderstanding in Awi community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Peters Street, Awi, where the teenager and the deceased were reportedly neighbours and lived in the same compound.

According to reports, the disagreement between the two escalated before Akpan was allegedly stabbed. The precise circumstances that led to the confrontation, however, remain under investigation by the police.

Akpan was rushed to the Naval Reference Hospital, Calabar, after sustaining the stab injury. Medical personnel at the hospital reportedly confirmed him dead on arrival.

His remains were subsequently recovered by members of his family, according to the police.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the teenage suspect in a statement issued by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.

The police said the 16-year-old was in custody and assisting investigators as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and the alleged involvement of the suspect.

The identity of the teenager has not been disclosed by the authorities because he is a minor.

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The police said the case was being processed for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar, where detectives are expected to conduct further investigation and take appropriate legal action in accordance with the law.

The command said investigators would examine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and determine what led to the fatal incident.

The police have not announced any charge against the teenager, as the investigation is still ongoing.

The command also appealed to residents of Awi and surrounding communities to remain calm and avoid any form of jungle justice or retaliation while the authorities investigate the case.

Police authorities stressed that the circumstances surrounding Akpan’s death would be thoroughly investigated and that further information would be made public as relevant facts emerge.

The incident has raised renewed concerns about disputes between young people escalating into fatal violence, particularly where disagreements are not resolved before turning physical.

For now, the 16-year-old suspect remains in police custody, while detectives continue efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death of Akpan.

The police have assured members of the public that the investigation will be conducted in accordance with the law and that any further developments will be communicated as the case progresses.

16-year-old in police custody over alleged killing of 20-year-old in Cross River