One Arrested, Manhunt Launched Over Alleged R@pe of 15-Year-Old Girl in Calabar

A family in Calabar is grappling with the aftermath of an alleged attack on their 15-year-old daughter, as police in Cross River State work to track down everyone involved in her ordeal.

The Cross River State Police Command said it had arrested one suspect and launched a manhunt for others over the alleged rape of the teenager in the state capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday, explaining that the case had already led to the first arrest.

‘The Cross River State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in Calabar,’ the statement read.

According to the police spokesman, the girl was taken from her family and held against her will for several days before the matter came to light.

‘The incident was reported on 8th September, 2026, at the Ikpa Omin Police Division following an allegation that the victim was forcibly taken to a residence in the 8 Miles area on 4 September, 2026, where she was allegedly sexually assaulted by two suspects and prevented from leaving for about three days,’ the statement said.

Officers from the division moved quickly once the case was reported, detaining one man while continuing to search for others.

‘Following the report, police operatives from the division arrested one Felix Solomon, who is currently assisting investigators with relevant information. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly involved in the incident,’ the statement said.

Eitokpah said the command had activated child-protection procedures to shield the girl and her family from further harm, adding that her identity and other identifying details would not be disclosed to protect her from further trauma and stigmatisation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed that the investigation be handled professionally and strictly in line with the law, and assured the public that anyone found culpable would face prosecution and the full consequences of the law upon conviction.

Ordue also spoke directly to families, warning against all forms of sexual violence against children and urging parents, guardians and members of the public to promptly report suspected cases to the police or appropriate child-protection authorities.

He further cautioned against public speculation ahead of any trial.

‘The command also cautions against trial by media. All suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,’ Ordue warned.