The police command in Akwa Ibom has confirmed the death of one Essien James, a former ExxonMobil contract staff in the Eket Local Government Area of the state.

The state commissioner of police, Baba Azare, confirmed this in an interview with journalists in Eket on Saturday.

Mr Azare said the deceased had a fight with one Lawrence Alfred on December 6, which resulted in his death.

He said the incident was reported to the police on December 8 by the family of the deceased.

Mr Azare, who noted that the suspect had been arrested, said investigations are underway to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the deceased.

However, a family source who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity said the fight between the deceased and the suspect happened in a beer parlour.

“While they were drinking in a beer parlor, an argument ensued, which led to a fight. The suspect pushed the deceased down and hit his head with a stone.

”He was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead by a doctor.

“The culprit fled to Onna Local Government Area of the state after the incident and hid there before being arrested by the police,” he said.

(NAN)