CALABAR, Nigeria — Police in Cross River State have arrested one person and are searching for others after a 15-year-old girl reported being confined and sexually assaulted at a residence in Calabar.
The complaint was made at the Ikpa Omin Police Division on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, according to a statement from the Cross River State Police Command.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Sunday Eitokpah, a spokesman for the command, said the girl was allegedly taken by force to a house in the 8 Miles area four days before the report was filed.
Two people allegedly assaulted her at the residence and prevented her from leaving for approximately three days, Eitokpah said.
Police officers subsequently arrested Felix Solomon.
Eitokpah said Solomon was assisting investigators with information as officers worked to identify and apprehend other people allegedly connected to the case.
The police statement did not disclose the girl’s identity or other information that could identify her.
Eitokpah said investigative and child-protection procedures had been activated to preserve her privacy, dignity and welfare.
Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, the Cross River State commissioner of police, directed officers to conduct the investigation professionally and in accordance with the law.
Ordue said anyone found responsible would be prosecuted and, if convicted, subjected to the penalties prescribed by law.
He also urged parents, guardians and members of the public to report suspected sexual violence against children promptly to the police or relevant child-protection authorities.
“The command also cautions against trial by media. All suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” Ordue said.
