The Cross River State Police Command has arrested two men over the alleged attempted rape of a 12-year-old girl in the Thomas Henshaw area of Calabar, the state capital.
The suspects, identified as 68-year-old Moris Monday and 70-year-old Asuquo Effiom, were arrested following a complaint lodged by the victim’s father.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah, on Monday the victim alleged that Monday, a shoe repairer, lured her into his room on two separate occasions, August 13 and 14, where he allegedly attempted to sexually assault her.
She further alleged that Effiom similarly lured her into his room on August 22 and attempted to sexually assault her.
Following the complaint, police investigators proceeded to the Hokins Road area by Thomas Henshaw Junction, where the suspects were reportedly found in the custody of community members and subsequently taken into police custody.
The police spokesperson said the suspects had made statements to the police but denied the allegations.
The victim, according to the command, had been referred to a government-approved medical facility for medical examination.
The statement added that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and necessary legal action.
The command assured members of the public that the matter would be handled professionally and in accordance with the law, adding that further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.