Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old security guard over the alleged sexual assault of a five-year-old pupil at a nursery and primary school in Calabar, the state capital.
The suspect, identified as Bright Bassey Elijah, was reportedly attached to the school as a security guard. The police said the allegation was reported on September 28, 2026, by the proprietress of the school.
According to the command, the suspect was allegedly caught taking the child to an uncompleted building within the vicinity of the school, where the alleged assault reportedly occurred.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Police Begin Investigation
Akata said the suspect remained in police custody while preliminary investigations were being conducted.
The police spokesperson added that Elijah would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.
The command said it was treating the case seriously, particularly because of the age of the alleged victim, and would follow appropriate investigative and child-protection procedures.
The arrest is an investigative step and does not by itself establish the suspect’s guilt. Any determination of criminal responsibility will depend on the evidence gathered and the outcome of due legal proceedings.
Police Urge Protection of Child’s Identity
The Cross River State Police Command also appealed to members of the public to protect the privacy and welfare of the child.
The command urged parents, guardians and school authorities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse or exploitation to the appropriate authorities.
Police also advised against circulating the child’s name, photographs or other information that could reveal her identity.
Protecting the identity of a child involved in an alleged sexual offence is important because unnecessary public exposure can cause further harm and compromise the child’s privacy and welfare.
School Security Under Scrutiny
The incident highlights the responsibility of schools to maintain effective safeguarding measures for pupils, particularly young children who depend on adults and school personnel for their safety during school hours.
Security guards, teachers, administrative workers and other adults who have access to children occupy positions of trust within school environments. Allegations involving anyone with such access require prompt reporting, careful investigation and appropriate safeguarding procedures.
However, the circumstances surrounding the Cross River case remain under investigation. The available police account does not establish whether there were previous complaints concerning the suspect or whether other individuals were involved.
Those issues would have to be established through the ongoing investigation.
Importance of the Investigation
The case underscores the need for schools and other institutions working with children to maintain clear systems for preventing and reporting abuse.
For parents and guardians, the development reinforces the importance of knowing who has regular access to children and ensuring that concerns about inappropriate conduct are reported promptly.
For law enforcement authorities, the investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegation and determine whether there is sufficient evidence for further legal action.
The police had not announced any court proceedings against the suspect at the time of reporting.
What Happens Next
The next stage is expected to involve the transfer of the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, as stated by the police.
Investigators will establish the circumstances surrounding the allegation and gather relevant evidence before determining the appropriate next steps under the law.
The police have not disclosed further details about the investigation, and Weng Global will not publish identifying information about the child.
The suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
The Cross River State Police Command has urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse or exploitation through the appropriate authorities rather than attempting to handle such matters outside the established legal system.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
Cross River State Police Command
NewsNGR
Prompt News Online
Punch Newspapers
