Peter Obi Convoy Attack: Police Arrest Suspect, Launch Manhunt for Others in Calabar

• Police have arrested a 27-year-old suspect over the Peter Obi convoy attack in Calabar, where assailants allegedly smashed vehicle windscreens near Watt Market Roundabout.

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the attack on the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar.

Police spokesperson Eitokpah Akata identified the suspect as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, saying investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident and apprehend others allegedly involved.

The attack occurred at about 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, near Watt Market Roundabout. Obi’s convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, where he was scheduled to attend a presidential town hall meeting.

According to the police, suspected hoodlums carrying machetes and sticks emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and attacked vehicles in the convoy.

“The attack reportedly resulted in damage to the windshields of some vehicles in the convoy,” Akata said.

The command said the number of vehicles affected had not yet been established.

Security personnel deployed around the area intervened to contain the situation. Their response included the use of tear gas to disperse the attackers, according to reporting on the police account.

Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit subsequently transferred the arrested suspect to the State Police Headquarters for investigation.

Commissioner of Police Ajo Geoffrey Ordue ordered a thorough inquiry, including efforts to identify other participants and determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

The command stressed that the arrest did not establish the suspect’s guilt. He remains entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.

Obi also spoke about the incident, saying people threw stones towards his convoy and that his security team considered taking an alternative route to avoid further confrontation.

“They saw NDC people and they were throwing stones. People were running back. Our security people said we should find another way,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor condemned the incident as he continued engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Police said calm had returned to the area and assured political parties, candidates and supporters of equal security protection during lawful activities in Cross River State.