By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has charged no fewer than 412 criminal cases to court within 12 months, underscoring intensified efforts to tackle crime across the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in Calabar, revealing that between January and December 2025, the command recorded 1,142 cases, leading to the arrest of 1,390 suspects.
He said the command secured 31 convictions within the period, while 26 cases were concluded, even as a significant number remain pending in courts.
A breakdown of the data shows that theft and stealing-related offences dominated crime statistics, with 444 cases recorded. A total of 493 suspects were arrested in connection with the crimes, with 175 charged to court, 24 convictions secured, nine cases closed and 236 still pending.
Eitokpah noted that offences against persons followed, with 156 cases and 230 arrests. Out of these, 36 cases were taken to court, seven closed, while 113 remain unresolved.
Assault cases accounted for 109 incidents, with 142 arrests recorded. However, only two convictions were secured from the 25 cases charged to court, while eight were closed and 74 are still pending.
Similarly, offences against property stood at 83 cases, leading to 87 arrests, with 28 cases prosecuted, two convictions secured and 53 pending.
On more serious crimes, the command recorded 63 murder cases, resulting in 92 arrests and 34 prosecutions, while 29 cases are still in court.
Rape cases stood at 61, with 96 arrests made. Of the 34 cases charged to court, only two convictions were secured, while 25 remain pending.
For fraud-related offences, including false pretence and cheating, 62 cases were recorded with 67 arrests. Twenty-two of the cases were taken to court, while 40 are still awaiting resolution.
Eitokpah added that only two kidnapping cases were recorded within the period, suggesting a relatively low incidence of the crime compared to other offences.
The figures reflect both the scale of criminal activity and the growing pressure on the justice system, as a large number of cases remain unresolved despite ongoing prosecution efforts.