The President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Comr. Ogar Favour Johobe, popularly known as Noble, has dissociated himself from allegations of cult-related activities following his arrest and subsequent release by the police in connection with an incident near the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
In a public statement, Johobe explained that his visit to UNICAL on Thursday, October 22, 2026, was to consult with a friend intending to contest for a position in the National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS) Worldwide, following the dissolution of its previous administration.
He denied involvement in cultism or any unlawful activity and called on the Cross River State Police Command to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and correct any misleading information.
Following his arrest, Naija Confra published a Facebook report identifying him among 11 male suspects arrested during a joint security operation targeting suspected cult initiation activities near UNICAL’s Engineering Department.
The report also mentioned the recovery of a Lexus 350 saloon car and three motorcycles.
Reacting, the President of the NACRISS UNICROSS Chapter, Comr. Betebeke Joshua, called on the police to clarify the incident, particularly the timing stated in its initial communication as “about 1030 hours.”
He argued that the failure to specify 10:30 a.m. created room for interpretations that could damage the reputations of those involved.
Joshua urged the Commissioner of Police, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah A. Sunday, and other relevant authorities to correct any misleading impressions arising from the initial report.
He also expressed hope that the police's reported appearance on HIT FM would provide an opportunity for further clarification.
The development underscores the importance of accuracy, fairness and responsible public communication in reporting security-related incidents, particularly where allegations have not been established. It also reinforces the need to distinguish between an arrest and proven wrongdoing.
For UNICROSS, the matter highlights the importance of protecting the university's image while upholding its commitment to discipline, peaceful coexistence and responsible student leadership, and allowing the relevant authorities to clarify the facts.
The university maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards cultism and all forms of unlawful activities, particularly under the administration of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey.
UNICROSS will continue to work in synergy with relevant security agencies to maintain peace and harmony within the institution and its surrounding communities.
— UNICROSS Media Team
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