Cross River OAPs Condemns Alleged Assault on Radio Presenter, Demands NDLEA Accountability

The Cross River State Guild of On-Air Personalities (OAPs) has condemned the alleged assault on radio presenter Prince Alobi  by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Calabar, demanding an impartial investigation, compensation and accountability.

The Guild made its position known in a press statement signed by its President, Phidelis Ubana, on Thursday, 29th October, 2026, following reports that the presenter was allegedly assaulted during an encounter with NDLEA operatives at Lemna Close, Calabar.

According to the statement, Alobi was presenting his programme when he reportedly heard gunshots around his office. Concerned about the situation, he allegedly took a break from his broadcast to observe events and establish the facts.

The Guild stated that Alobi reportedly witnessed NDLEA operatives attempting to arrest individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. It added that confusion allegedly ensued following the arrival of additional operatives and the reported discharge of gunshots, allowing some of the suspects to escape.

The statement further alleged that Alobi was assaulted when he approached the scene to make inquiries after the situation had calmed. The alleged assault reportedly involved kicking and the use of rifle butts, leaving him with severe pain around his ribs and difficulty walking.

The Guild also alleged that two of the presenter’s iPhones were seized and damaged beyond repair, while his medicated eyeglasses were broken during the incident.

It expressed concern that Alobi reportedly identified himself as a journalist and attempted to retrieve his press identification card to establish his professional identity, but the alleged assault continued.

The Guild further disclosed that the presenter was reportedly experiencing severe pain around his right ribs, difficulty walking and vision problems following the incident. It consequently called for an urgent medical assessment, appropriate treatment and coverage of reasonable medical expenses.

Among its demands, the Guild called for the replacement of the damaged phones and eyeglasses, a formal public apology from the NDLEA, medical care and support, an impartial investigation into the incident, guarantees against future harassment, and improved media engagement and operational training for law enforcement personnel.

Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists, the Guild stated that its demands were not intended to promote hostility against the NDLEA or its personnel but to ensure justice, institutional responsibility and a credible process for establishing the facts.

It also urged journalists and members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified claims and allow a fair investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Guild maintained that the allegations should not be ignored and called on the relevant authorities to take concrete steps towards resolving the matter.