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

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.

Join the Premium Times WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.

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.

Police warn against exposing victim

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

Stay Ahead with Premium Times

Follow us on Google News and never miss breaking stories, investigations, and in-depth reporting.

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.

One in many cases

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.

Share this:

Discover more from Premium Times Nigeria

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Type your email…

Subscribe

Delta extends retirement age for clinical health workers

Saviour Imukudo

More News

Delta extends retirement age for clinical health workers

Diri unveils AI robotic tutors in Bayelsa medical university

US Consulate, Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni mentor Akwa Ibom students

2027: Minister’s son dares father over ‘federal might’ comment

2027: Minister threatens to deploy ‘federal might’ in Akwa Ibom election

Ooni to grace Dokubo-Asari’s coronation in Rivers