Arrest of Patent Medicine Dealer in Alleged Calabar Woman’s Murder Case

A middle‑aged patent medicine dealer named Ofofon was arrested by security forces after authorities linked him to the alleged murder of a young woman in the Afokang area of Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State.

Local vigilantes apprehended the suspect early Wednesday morning when they discovered him attempting to wash away bloodstains that residents believed were connected to the crime.

Neighbors say the incident likely occurred around midnight on Tuesday inside Ofofon’s apartment. Blood was still visible in a drainage channel in front of the building when the news spread, drawing a crowd of onlookers to the scene on Wednesday morning.

Witnesses claim the victim had visited the apartment accompanied by another young woman and a young man. The young man reportedly fled during the attack and alerted others.

Several residents have long suspected Ofofon, noting that screams were often heard from his apartment at night. One resident, Mr. Umoren David, said the suspect tried to dispose of parts of the victim’s remains before being intercepted by vigilantes when he returned around 2 a.m. to clean the bloodstains. David added that residents believe the suspect may have been involved in similar acts in the past.

Ms. Mmakamba, another resident, said the suspect had repeatedly tried to lure young women in the neighborhood, including herself, to visit him. She expressed relief that she had never accepted such invitations.

The area was tense as hundreds of residents and passersby gathered near Ofofon’s patent medicine store after the incident was reported. The crowd was later addressed by Mr. Steve Umo, who identified himself as a security adviser in the area, and officers from the Mbukpa Police Division.

Umo confirmed that the suspect and others believed to be connected with the case had been taken into custody. He assured residents that security agencies were conducting a thorough investigation and that anyone found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted.

The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said an official statement would be issued.