CROSS RIVER POLICE ARREST 22-YEAR-OLD SECURITY GUARD OVER ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF FIVE-YEAR-OLD PUPIL

CROSS RIVER STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

CROSS RIVER POLICE ARREST 22-YEAR-OLD SECURITY GUARD OVER ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF FIVE-YEAR-OLD PUPIL

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old security guard attached to a nursery and primary school in Calabar, following an allegation of sexual assault involving a five-year-old pupil of the school.

1. The incident was reported to the Police on 28th September 2026 by the proprietress of the school in Calabar. According to the report, the suspect was allegedly caught taking the five-year-old pupil to an uncompleted building within the vicinity of the school, where the alleged assault occurred.
2. The suspect, identified as Bright Bassey Elijah (male), 22, is currently in Police custody. Preliminary investigation is ongoing, after which the suspect will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
3. The Command is treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves, particularly given the age of the alleged victim. Appropriate investigative and child-protection procedures will be followed in accordance with the law.
4. The Command urges parents, guardians, school authorities and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected abuse or exploitation of children to the Police.
5. The Command further assures the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally and that due process will be observed. Members of the public are also advised against sharing the identity, photographs or other identifying information of the child, in order to protect her privacy and welfare.

E-signed:
ASP EITOKPAH SUNDAY AKATA, ANIPR, MNISMA
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command
29th September 2026