By Edem Ekpo
A 47-year-old man, Mr. Etim Obol Etim of Ntan Ward in Ekori community, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl.
The alleged incident took place on October 8, 2025, in Ekori and triggered outrage within the community after the suspect reportedly fled to a nearby settlement in an attempt to avoid arrest. His arrest was later secured following the swift intervention of the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua.
The suspect is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar as investigations continue.
The case, initially reported to the Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative, is now being jointly handled with the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative.
Speaking on the development, Founder of HEHRAI, Mrs. Ndodeye Bassey Obongha, expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekori Police Station, the Ntan Youth Council, the Ekori Progressive Womens League Calabar branch, Girls Power Initiative Calabar, and the Ntan Ward Youth Council for their uninterrupted support and their role in pushing for justice for the young survivor.
Lead Counsel of BRCI, James Ibor Esq., also praised the efforts of Ekori women, the State Commissioner of Police and the DPO of Ekori Division for their prompt actions which resulted in the suspect’s arrest.
He noted that CP Afegbua has significantly improved the operational efficiency of the Police Command in the state. He added that the Commissioner’s actions reflect the state governments firm stance against criminal activities, particularly sexual and gender based violence.
Ibor further disclosed that the suspect will soon be charged to court for arraignment once investigations are concluded.