A man identified as Samson Matthew Ebop, also known as Ecomoc, has been accused of repeatedly sexually abusing his 15-year-old daughter in Iwuru Obio Ntan, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Ebop, reportedly in his 40s, was accused by the teenager of having sexual relations with her over a prolonged period after she returned to live with him following her parents’ separation.
According to findings, the girl initially resisted her father’s advances but allegedly succumbed after he threatened her with a knife.
She was also said to have kept the alleged abuse secret after her father threatened to kill her if she disclosed the matter to anyone.
However, the teenager later began confiding in people within their compound, telling them that her father had been sexually abusing her and that he was responsible for her first sexual experience.
Some residents reportedly doubted her account until she spoke to another person, who advised her to report the matter to her father’s age grade.
The girl subsequently appeared before the age grade and presented what she described as evidence of the alleged abuse.
The age grade leader reportedly directed youths to summon Ebop to the village square, where he was questioned alongside his daughter.
Sources said the suspect initially denied the allegation but later admitted to having sexual relations with his daughter after the evidence presented by the girl and information from medical personnel were considered.
Following the alleged admission, some youths reportedly assaulted Ebop before taking him to the village head.
The traditional ruler was said to have ordered that the suspect be returned to the village square, where he was allegedly assaulted again, before directing that the matter be reported to the police.
The youths later reportedly took Ebop to soldiers operating in the area, who were said to have commenced follow-up on the matter.
The development has generated concern in the community, with residents calling for a formal investigation and prosecution if the allegations are established.
Ebop was also accused by community sources of having previously been linked to cultist groups, as well as the alleged sexual assault of elderly women who went to farms in the area and repeated cases of theft.
The PPRO of the State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said they were investigating the alleged crime and would act swiftly.
Man accused of sexually abusing 15-year-old daughter in Cross River