By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar
Cross River State Police Command has arrested two elderly men, aged 68 and 70, over the alleged attempted rape of a 12-year-old girl in Calabar.
The incident, Vanguard gathered, occurred at Thomas Henshaw Street, Calabar South LGA in Cross River State and the arrest was carried out following a petition by the victim’s father.
The suspects, identified as Moris Monday, a shoe repairer, and Asuquo Effiom, were apprehended on Saturday, August 23, 2026, after community members handed them over to police at Hawkins Road, near Thomas Henshaw Junction.
In a statement, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said investigations revealed the minor alleged that Monday lured her into his room on two separate occasions on August 13 and 14 where he allegedly attempted to sexually assault her.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim alleged that Moris Monday, on two separate occasions, allegedly lured her into his room and attempted to sexually assault her,” Eitokpah said.
He added that a second suspect was later implicated similarly.
“She further alleged that on 22 August 2026, Asuquo Effiom similarly lured her into his room and attempted to sexually assault her,” the police spokesman stated.
Eitokpah disclosed that detectives moved swiftly to the scene upon receiving the complaint and found the suspects already in the custody of community members before taking them into police custody.
“Following receipt of the complaint, Police investigators proceeded to the Hawkins Road, where the suspects were found in the custody of community members and were taken into Police custody,” he said.
According to the PPRO, both suspects have volunteered statements denying the allegations, while the victim has been referred to a government-approved medical facility for examination.
“The suspects have made statements to the Police and denied the allegations. The victim has been referred to a government-approved medical facility for medical examination,” Eitokpah said.
He confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and necessary legal action, assuring residents of professional handling.
“The Command assures the public that the matter will be handled professionally and in accordance with the law. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” he said.
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