Police arrest 35-year-old man over alleged rape of 11-year-old girl

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The police in Cross River State have arrested a 35-year-old man over the alleged rape of an 11-year-old girl in Yala Local Government Area of the state.

Police said the suspect, Okputu Bright, was arrested after the victim’s father reported the incident at the Okpoma Divisional Police Headquarters on 24 October.

In a statement on Sunday, police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah said the alleged incident occurred on 18 October.

According to the police, the father alleged that Mr Bright lured the girl and sexually assaulted her before leaving her at a location within the community.

The police said the child had been referred to a general hospital for medical examination, while the suspect was arrested and detained.

“The Command has directed that the investigation be concluded promptly and the case file transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, in accordance with established procedures,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ajo Ordue, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.

Mr Ordue urged residents to report suspected sexual offences promptly and assured the public that the allegations would be handled professionally, with due regard for the child’s welfare and confidentiality.

The police also warned against circulating information or images that could identify the child or expose her to harm further.

“The Command emphasises that the suspect remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement added.

The arrest comes amid other reported cases of sexual offences involving minors in Cross River.

In August, PREMIUM TIMES reported the arrest of two men, aged 68 and 70, over the alleged attempted rape of a 12-year-old girl in Calabar. The police said the girl’s father reported the incident.

In June, a Family Court in Calabar sentenced 41-year-old Endurance Sandy to life imprisonment for raping an 11-year-old girl. The case commenced in 2021.

In May, the Family Court in Calabar sentenced 27-year-old Edidiong Nyojole to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl. The court also ordered him to pay the victim N1 million in compensation.