A midnight downpour on Thursday has claimed the life of a Deputy Superintendent of Correctional Service, DSC Michael Apepende, in Calabar, Cross River State.

Local sources said the officer was swept away by floodwater along Barrack Road, near the State Newspaper Corporation. His body was recovered from a drainage channel early Friday morning.

The Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Police confirmed the incident in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata.

According to him, “the Command has confirmed the recovery of the body of a male adult from a drainage channel along Barrack Road, by the State Newspaper Corporation, Calabar, at about 10:30 a.m. today, Friday, 28 August 2026.

“Upon receipt of the information, a team of police officers from Akim Division responded to the scene and recovered the body from the drainage channel.

“The deceased has been identified as Deputy Superintendent of Correctional Service (DSC) Michael Apepende, a personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“The body has been conveyed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for autopsy to assist in establishing the circumstances and cause of death.”

ASP Akata said the Command is investigating the incident and urged members of the public to avoid speculation.

Sources said the deceased, who left behind a young family, drowned after being overpowered by the flood. (The Guardian)