Man arrested for defiling 15-year-old girl in Cross River

Thursday, September 10, 2026 - The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one suspect and launched a manhunt for others over the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl in Calabar, the state capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday.

Eitokpah said operatives of the Ikpa Omin Police Division arrested one Felix Solomon, who was assisting investigators with relevant information.

According to the police spokesman, the incident was reported at the Ikpa Omin Police Division on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, following an allegation that the victim was forcibly taken to a residence in the 8 Miles area on September 4, where she was allegedly sexually assaulted by two suspects and prevented from leaving for about three days.

The statement read, “The Cross River State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in Calabar.

“The incident was reported on 8th September, 2026, at the Ikpa Omin Police Division following an allegation that the victim was forcibly taken to a residence in the 8 Miles area on 4 September, 2026, where she was allegedly sexually assaulted by two suspects and prevented from leaving for about three days.

“Following the report, police operatives from the division arrested one Felix Solomon, who is currently assisting investigators with relevant information. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly involved in the incident.”

Eitokpah said the command had activated appropriate investigative and child-protection procedures to safeguard the survivor’s privacy, dignity and welfare.

He added that the identity of the victim and other identifying details would not be disclosed in line with efforts to protect her from further trauma and stigmatisation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.

The CP assured the public that anyone found culpable would face prosecution and the full consequences of the law upon conviction.

Ordue warned against all forms of sexual violence against children and urged parents, guardians and members of the public to promptly report suspected cases to the police or appropriate child-protection authorities.

The command also cautioned against “trial by media”, noting that all suspects remained presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The command also cautions against trial by media. All suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” Ordue warned.