By Joy Umo
A 47-year-old man, identified as Mr. Etim Obol Etim from Ntan Ward in Ekori community, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl.
The incident, which occurred on October 8, 2025, in Ekori, sparked outrage after the suspect reportedly fled to a neighbouring community in an attempt to evade arrest. His eventual capture was secured through the swift intervention of the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua.
The suspect is currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Calabar as investigations continue.
The case, first reported to the Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative (HEHRAI), is now being jointly handled with the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI).
Speaking on the development, Founder of HEHRAI, Mrs. Ndodeye Bassey Obongha, expressed gratitude to the Cross River State Police Commissioner, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekori Police Station,Ntan Youth Council, Ekori Progressive Women’s League (Calabar branch), Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) Calabar, and the Ntan Ward Youth Council for their collective efforts and unwavering support in ensuring justice for the young survivor.
In his reaction, Lead Counsel of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, James Ibor Esq., commended Ekori Women,the State Commissioner of Police and the DPO of Ekori Police Division for their swift response, which led to the suspect’s arrest.
According to him, “CP Afegbua has optimized the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Command in the state since his arrival. His actions align with the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities, especially sexual and gender-based violence.”
Ibor further revealed that the suspect will soon be charged to court for arraignment pending the conclusion of investigations.