Two elderly men are being investigated over the alleged attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Calabar

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested Moris Monday, 68, and Asuquo Effiom, 70, over the alleged attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in the Thomas Henshaw area of Calabar, Cross River State.

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The suspects, a shoe repairer and another resident, were arrested on August 23, 2026, following a complaint lodged by the girl’s father, according to the command’s spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah.

The police said preliminary investigations indicated that Monday allegedly lured the girl into his room and attempted to sexually assault her on August 13 and 14.

Effiom was also accused of allegedly luring the minor into his room and attempting to sexually assault her on August 22.

The command said investigators moved to the Hokins Road area around Thomas Henshaw Junction after receiving the complaint, where community members had reportedly taken the suspects into their custody.

Police officers subsequently took the two men into formal custody for investigation.

“The suspects have made statements to the Police and denied the allegations,” Eitokpah said in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar on Monday.

The police spokesperson said the girl had been referred to a government-approved medical facility for examination as part of the investigation.

The case has also been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and further legal action.

The command’s decision to refer the matter for specialised investigation underscores the seriousness with which allegations involving the sexual abuse of a child are being treated.

The police have not established the allegations as fact, and the two suspects remain entitled to due process while investigators determine the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents.

The command assured residents that the investigation would be conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.

“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” Eitokpah said.

The case has also drawn attention to the role of community members in reporting and responding to suspected abuse, although the police process will ultimately determine whether sufficient evidence exists to prosecute the suspects.

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As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to establish the sequence of events surrounding the three alleged incidents and determine whether criminal charges should be filed against either of the suspects.