Police nab 68, 70-year-old men over attempted assault of 12-year-old girl

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested two men in connection with the alleged attempted rape of a 12-year-old girl in the Thomas Henshaw area of Calabar.

The suspects were identified as Moris Monday, 68, a shoe repairer, and Asuquo Effiom, 70.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Calabar.

The statement read, “The Cross River State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged attempted rape of a 12-year-old girl in the Thomas Henshaw area of Calabar. The suspects, Moris Monday, aged 68, and Asuquo Effiom, aged 70, were arrested on 23 August 2026 following a report by the victim’s father.”

The police said preliminary investigation revealed that Monday allegedly lured the victim into his room and attempted to sexually assault her on two separate occasions, August 13 and 14, 2026.

It added that Effiom also allegedly lured the minor into his room and attempted to sexually assault her on August 22, 2026.

“Following receipt of the complaint, Police investigators proceeded to the Hokins Road area by Thomas Henshaw Junction, where the suspects were found in the custody of community members and were taken into Police custody,” the statement said.

Eitokpah said the suspects had made statements to the police and denied the allegations, adding that the victim had been referred to a government-approved medical facility for examination.

He said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and necessary legal action.

The command assured the public that the matter would be handled professionally and in accordance with the law.

“The suspects have made statements to the Police and denied the allegations. The victim has been referred to a government-approved medical facility for medical examination.

“The Command assures the public that the matter will be handled professionally and in accordance with the law. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the statement explained.