Police in Cross River have arrested a 41-year-old man, Bassey Ekpo, for allegedly setting a house ablaze in the 8 Miles area of Calabar, the state capital.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the incident was reported on Friday at the Ikot Omin Police Division by the occupant of the house, Ekemini Stephen.

According to the police, neighbours assisted in apprehending Ekpo and took him to the station.

Eitokpah said the suspect, during preliminary questioning, allegedly claimed that he had been sent by his 61-year-old mother, who is currently at large and has been identified as the alleged instigator.

Police operatives visited the scene and took photographs as part of efforts to gather evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The police said investigations were ongoing to determine the involvement of other persons and establish the full circumstances of the alleged arson.

The command assured residents that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.