Tragedy struck on Tuesday evening in Calabar as an Inspector of Police, Stephen Enang, reportedly slumped and died shortly after watching Arsenal defeat Spanish giants Real Madrid 3-0.
Inspector Enang, a native of Ekori in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, was attached to the Akim Police Division along IBB Way, Calabar.
Multiple eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the deceased, a passionate Arsenal fan, was visibly elated during the match. One of his close friends, who witnessed the incident and requested anonymity, recounted the shocking moment it happened.
“We were watching the match at a viewing centre on Abang-Asang Street. He was in great spirits—healthy, happy, cheering every goal. Arsenal scored the first, second, and third goals, and he was overjoyed,” the witness said.
“He jumped up in excitement multiple times. But after the final whistle, when everyone started leaving, we noticed Stephen wasn’t getting up like the rest of us. That’s when we realized something was wrong.”
According to the eyewitness, Enang had slumped in his seat and was unresponsive. He was immediately rushed to the Police Hospital in Akim, where medical personnel made frantic efforts to revive him, but he was pronounced dead.
“He was soft-spoken, football-loving, and an ardent Arsenal supporter. This came as a huge shock to all of us,” the friend added.
As of press time, efforts to reach the Cross River State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, for an official statement proved unsuccessful. Calls went unanswered, and messages sent to her were not returned.
