Alleged Serial Killer Remanded in Custody Over Cross River Murders

Akaninyene Ignatius Eshiet, accused of being a serial killer, has been taken into custody at the Afokang Custodial Centre following his appearance in a Magistrate Court in Calabar. The charges against him relate to the murder of two individuals, Mr Okon Bassey Okon Nsa from Ukim Ita community and Mr Okokon Akpan Eshiet from Akai Ibonda, both in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. The case was heard in Magistrate Court 10 and has been adjourned until August 12, 2026, for transfer to the High Court, which has the authority to handle murder cases. During the proceedings, it was observed that while the main suspect, Akaninyene, was remanded, his brother, Nkereuwem Eshiet, who was also in police custody, was not arraigned. Instead, Nkereuwem was returned to police detention, with the reasons for this decision not disclosed by the authorities. This development has sparked concern among traditional leaders and residents of the affected communities, who are questioning the release of Uduak Essien, the suspect's alleged girlfriend and an earlier co-suspect in the case. The community is worried that releasing Essien while investigations are ongoing could hinder efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the killings and put community members at further risk. Speaking on behalf of the community, the Village Head of Ukim Ita, Chief Samuel Ekpe Ita, expressed concern over the decision, citing that the principal suspect had initially claimed his girlfriend assisted him in committing the crimes. Ekpe also questioned why Nkereuwem, who was allegedly apprehended with a firearm at the crime scene, was not arraigned alongside his brother. He emphasized that the community is not seeking to prejudice the investigation but wants all individuals with possible links to the case to be thoroughly investigated so that justice can be served and innocent persons cleared through due process. The community leader urged the police to be more transparent in handling the case to reassure residents that the investigation is being conducted professionally and without bias. In response to the concerns, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpa, stated that Uduak Essien was released after investigators found no evidence linking her to the alleged murders. According to Eitokpa, the principal suspect's confessional statement exonerated Essien, and independent investigations also failed to establish any basis for her continued detention. Despite the police explanation, residents have appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Cross River State Government, and other relevant authorities to ensure that investigations are pursued to a logical conclusion and that anyone found culpable is prosecuted according to the law.