The Cross River State Police Command has paraded Valentine Ebani, 54, for keeping in his shrine the decomposed head of a slain police inspector, Monday James.
James was reported killed and beheaded in a Christmas Day communal clash in Uyanga, between Uyanga and Ojor communities in Akamkpa LGA of the state.
According to the State Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, Ebani, the chief priest and village head of Uyanga, and seven others were arrested for killing the policeman without provocation.
Before his death, James was attached to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Enugu and had visited his in-law, ASP Dominic Umoh, in Ojor community.
“While buying fuel, Uyanga youths , without provocation , attacked , killed and beheaded him . His corpse has yet to be found . However , his severed head has been recovered at Uyanga shrine.
“ The youths also seized the late inspector ’ s AK – 47 rifle, with double magazines and set ablaze his Toyota Sienna , with number plate , ENU 683 NK , ” The Punch quoted Inuwa as saying.
Seven suspects arrested alongside Ebani in connection with the murder are Isaac Akpan, Benjamin Abakum, Patrick Edet and Famous Archibong.
Others are Effiong Odu, Ndifon Arong and Wisdom Inok.
One locally – made pistol , 17 empty cartridges , underwear of the deceased and one human skull were recovered from the suspects, Inuwa was further quoted as saying.