Police arrest one, hunt others over rape of 15-year-old in C’River
September 9, 2026 11:04 pm
Commissioner of Police, Cross River State, Ajo-Geoffrey Ordue.
By Emem Julius
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one suspect and launched a manhunt for others over the alleged sexual assault and rape of a 15-year-old girl in Calabar, the state capital.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed this in a statement to journalists on Wednesday, saying operatives from the division arrested one Felix Solomon, who is currently assisting investigators with relevant information.
The police spokesman disclosed that the incident was reported on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Ikpa Omin Police Division, adding that the victim was allegedly forcibly taken to a residence in the 8 Miles area on September 4, 2026, where she was sexually assaulted by two suspects and held against her will 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,” ASP Sunday Eitokpah said.
The police PRO 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 Cross River Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Ordue, has directed that the investigation be conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.
The CP assured that anyone found culpable would face prosecution and the full consequences of the law upon conviction.
CP Ordue strongly 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.
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