The President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Comrade Ogar Favour Johobe, popularly known as Noble, has denied allegations linking him to cult-related activities following his arrest and subsequent release by the police over an incident near the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

 

Johobe said his visit to UNICAL on Thursday, October 22, 2026, was for a legitimate purpose and insisted that he was not involved in cultism or any unlawful activity.

 

In a public statement, the student leader explained that he travelled to the university to consult with a friend who intended to contest for a position in the National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS) Worldwide following the dissolution of its previous administration.

 

He urged the Cross River State Police Command to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and address any information that could create a misleading impression about his involvement.

 

Report Links SUG President to Security Operation

Following Johobe’s arrest, Naija Confra published a report on Facebook identifying him among 11 male suspects reportedly arrested during a joint security operation near the Engineering Department of UNICAL.

 

According to the report, the operation targeted suspected cult initiation activities. It also stated that security operatives recovered a Lexus 350 saloon car and three motorcycles during the operation.

 

However, Johobe has rejected any suggestion that he participated in cult-related activities, calling for an official clarification of the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

 

The allegations have drawn attention to the need for clear communication by security agencies, particularly when reports involve identifiable individuals whose reputations could be affected before the facts are fully established.

 

An arrest does not, in itself, establish guilt, and the circumstances of the incident remain subject to clarification by the relevant authorities.

 

NACRISS UNICROSS President Calls for Police Clarification

Reacting to the development, the President of the NACRISS UNICROSS Chapter, Comrade Betebeke Joshua, called on the police to provide further clarification regarding the incident.

 

Joshua specifically questioned the wording of the police’s initial communication, which reportedly stated that the operation took place at “about 1030 hours.”

 

He argued that the failure to expressly state whether the time referred to 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 p.m. could create room for different interpretations and potentially expose those involved to reputational damage.

 

The NACRISS chapter president appealed to the Commissioner of Police, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah A. Sunday, and other relevant authorities to clarify the report and correct any misleading impressions arising from the initial communication.

 

Related Stories

Joshua also expressed hope that the police’s reported appearance on HIT FM would provide an opportunity to address questions surrounding the incident and offer further details to the public.

 

Call for Responsible Reporting of Security Incidents

The controversy has renewed attention on the importance of accuracy and fairness in communicating information about security operations, particularly when allegations of criminal activity are involved.

 

Reports concerning arrests can quickly attract public attention, especially when they involve student leaders and prominent members of university communities. However, incomplete information or ambiguous statements can lead to speculation and potentially damage the reputations of individuals before the facts are established.

 

The calls by Johobe and Joshua for clarification centre on the need for the police to provide accurate information about the operation and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

 

A clear account from the authorities would help the public better understand the incident while ensuring that allegations are not treated as established facts without supporting evidence.

 

UNICROSS Reaffirms Commitment to Discipline

The development has also placed the spotlight on UNICROSS and its commitment to maintaining discipline and peaceful coexistence within the university community.

 

The institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards cultism and other unlawful activities, according to the statement issued by the UNICROSS Media Team.

 

Under the administration of Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, the university said it would continue to work with relevant security agencies to safeguard lives and property and promote peace within the institution and surrounding communities.

 

The university’s position underscores the importance of addressing security concerns while ensuring that allegations involving members of its community are handled fairly and responsibly.

 

What Happens Next?

The key issue now is the need for further clarification from the relevant police authorities regarding the operation near UNICAL, the reported arrests and the circumstances surrounding Johobe’s release.

 

Until the facts are established, the allegations against the UNICROSS SUG president should be distinguished from proven wrongdoing.

 

A clear and comprehensive explanation from the police would help address public concerns, protect the integrity of the investigation and reduce the spread of potentially misleading information.

 

For both UNICROSS and the wider student community, the incident highlights the importance of accountability, responsible public communication and respect for due process in matters involving alleged criminal conduct.