Cross River Police: Calabar Attempted Child Sexual Assault Arrests 2 Men

• Two elderly men, Moris Monday (68) and Asuquo Effiom (70), were arrested in Calabar for alleged attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl.
• The arrests by the Cross River State Police Command occurred on August 23, 2026, following a report from the victim's father.
• Preliminary investigations allege separate attempted assaults by each suspect on different dates in August 2026.
• Both suspects deny the allegations, and the victim has been referred for medical examination.
• The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and legal action.

This indicates a serious and proactive enforcement stance against alleged child sexual assault, highlighting the potential for thorough investigation and legal action in such matters within the jurisdiction.

The Cross River State Police Command recently announced the apprehension of two elderly men in connection with the alleged attempted sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Calabar. The suspects, identified as 68-year-old shoe repairer Moris Monday and 70-year-old Asuquo Effiom, were taken into custody on August 23, 2026, following a report filed by the victim's father. The arrests occurred in the Thomas Henshaw area of Calabar, where the alleged incidents took place.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the police indicate distinct allegations against each individual. Moris Monday is accused of luring the minor into his room and attempting to sexually assault her on two separate occasions, specifically on August 13 and August 14, 2026. Similarly, Asuquo Effiom faces allegations of luring the same 12-year-old girl into his own room and attempting a sexual assault on August 22, 2026.

Upon receiving the complaint, police investigators proceeded to the Hokins Road area, near the Thomas Henshaw Junction, where they found the suspects already in the custody of community members. The individuals were subsequently transferred into official police custody. Both Monday and Effiom have provided statements to the police, denying the allegations leveled against them. As part of the ongoing process, the young victim has been referred to a government-approved medical facility for a thorough examination.

ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Cross River State Command, formally communicated these developments in a statement released to journalists in Calabar on Monday. Eitokpah confirmed the arrests and the initial findings, emphasizing the command's commitment to a professional and lawful handling of the sensitive matter.

Crucially, the case has been officially transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a discreet and comprehensive investigation. This move signifies the serious nature with which the Cross River State Police Command is approaching the allegations of attempted child sexual assault. The transfer ensures that specialized units will conduct a thorough inquiry to gather all necessary evidence and pursue appropriate legal action.

The command has publicly assured the community that the investigation will be conducted with the utmost professionalism and strictly in accordance with established legal protocols. Further updates are expected to be communicated as the investigation progresses, underscoring the transparency and diligence promised by the authorities in this Cross River child sexual assault case.

This incident and the subsequent actions by the Cross River State Police Command highlight a proactive stance against alleged child sexual assault within the jurisdiction. The immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department indicates a serious commitment to thorough investigation and the pursuit of justice, which is a critical aspect of Nigeria criminal law child protection efforts. Such swift and decisive action by law enforcement is vital in deterring similar offenses and reinforcing public trust in the justice system.

The involvement of community members in initially apprehending the suspects, prior to police arrival, also underscores the collective responsibility in safeguarding children. This collaborative approach, coupled with the police's professional handling, sets an important precedent for how such grave allegations are addressed. Lawyers practicing criminal law, particularly those involved in child protection or sexual offense cases in Nigeria, should note the Cross River State Police Command's swift action and immediate transfer of this case to the State Criminal Investigation Department. This indicates a serious and proactive enforcement stance against alleged child sexual assault, highlighting the potential for thorough investigation and legal action in such matters within the jurisdiction. The commitment to professional conduct and adherence to the law, as stated by the command, is fundamental to ensuring a fair and just outcome for all parties involved.

Lawyers practicing criminal law, particularly those involved in child protection or sexual offense cases in Nigeria, should note the Cross River State Police Command's swift action and immediate transfer of this case to the State Criminal Investigation Department. This indicates a serious and proactive enforcement stance against alleged child sexual assault, highlighting the potential for thorough investigation and legal action in such matters within the jurisdiction.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspaper.