Cross River Police Arrest 35-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Sexual Assault Of 11-Year-Old Girl

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, identified as Okputu Bright, over an alleged sexual assault involving an 11-year-old girl in Yala Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, saying the arrest followed a complaint lodged by the victim’s father at the Okpoma Divisional Police Headquarters on October 24.

According to the statement, the father alleged that the incident occurred on October 18, 2026.

The police said the suspect allegedly lured the child and sexually assaulted her before leaving her at a location within the community.

Following the report, the victim was referred to a general hospital for medical examination, while the suspect was arrested and detained in police custody.

The command said it had directed that the investigation be concluded promptly and the case file transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation in line with established procedures.

The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.

He urged members of the public to report suspected sexual offences promptly, assuring that such cases would be handled professionally, with due consideration for victims’ welfare, confidentiality and the law.

The police also cautioned members of the public against circulating information, photographs or other details that could reveal the identity of the child or expose her to further harm.

The command emphasised that the suspect remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.