Man Apprehended for Heinous Crime Against Minor
Police authorities in Cross River State have arrested a 47-year-old man, Mr Etim Obol Etim, for the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl. The suspect, who hails from Ntan Ward in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area, is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar.
The disturbing incident occurred on October 8, 2025, sending shockwaves through the Ekori community. According to reports, the suspect attempted to evade justice by fleeing to a neighboring settlement following the assault.
Swift Police Action Leads to Capture
The successful apprehension of the suspect came through the immediate intervention of the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua. His prompt action ensured that Etim could not escape legal consequences for his alleged actions.
The case was initially reported to the Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative (HEHRAI), which is now collaborating with the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) to ensure justice for the young survivor. Both organizations are actively monitoring the investigation and advocating for the child's rights.
Community and Organizations Rally for Justice
Mrs Ndodeye Bassey Obongha, Founder of HEHRAI, expressed appreciation for the collective efforts that led to the suspect's arrest. She specifically commended the Cross River State Police Commissioner, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekori Police Station, and several community organizations for their unwavering support.
The organizations recognized for their contribution include:
- Ntan Youth Council
- Ekori Progressive Women's League (Calabar branch)
- Girls' Power Initiative (GPI) Calabar
- Ntan Ward Youth Council
James Ibor Esq., Lead Counsel of BRCI, also praised the rapid response from Ekori women, the State Commissioner of Police, and the DPO. He highlighted that CP Afegbua's leadership has significantly enhanced policing efficiency in the state, particularly in handling cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
Ibor confirmed that the suspect will face formal charges once investigations are complete, aligning with the state government's zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities, especially those involving vulnerable children.
Previous Case Highlights Pattern of Abuse
This incident follows another shocking case from June 2025, where a man identified as "Prayer" was arrested in Ediba Community of Abi Local Government Area for allegedly impregnating his 13-year-old biological daughter. Community sources described that act as "barbaric and sacrilegious."
Investigations revealed that the victim's mother had separated from the suspect approximately a year earlier due to his misconduct and relocated to Lagos, leaving the teenager in her father's care.
Both cases violate the Cross River State Child Protection Act, which was enacted in 2009 and formally assented into law by former Governor Senator Ben Ayade on July 22, 2023. The continued occurrence of such crimes underscores the urgent need for strengthened child protection mechanisms across the state.
