35-year-old man arrested for allegedly assaulting 11-year-old girl in Cross River

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one Okputu Bright, 35-year-old, in connection with an alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The father of the victim on October 24, reported the matter at Okpoma Divisional Police Headquarters. According to the police, the father claimed that on October 18, the suspect lured the child and took advantage of her before leaving her at a location within the community.

The victim was thereafter referred to a general hospital for medical examination, while the suspect was arrested and detained in police custody. 

Confirming the incident to newsmen, the command's spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Akata, said the command is working to ensure the investigation is concluded promptly and the case file transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

He emphasised that the suspect remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. He urged members of the public to refrain from circulating information, images, or other details that could identify the child or expose her to further harm, as the investigation continues.