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

The command said the arrest followed a complaint lodged by the girl’s father at the Okpoma Divisional Police Headquarters on October 24, 2026.

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According to the police, the father alleged that the suspect lured his daughter and sexually assaulted her on October 18 before abandoning her in the community.

The police said the child had been referred to a general hospital for medical examination, while the suspect remained in custody as investigations continued.

The command also directed that the investigation be conducted promptly, adding that the case file would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation in line with established procedures.

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual violence and abuse.

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

The command emphasised that the allegation remained under investigation and that the suspect was presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

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It also warned members of the public against sharing information or images that could reveal the child’s identity, stressing the importance of protecting the privacy and welfare of minors involved in sexual offence cases.