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 suspect, identified as Bright Bassey Elijah, was attached to the school as a security guard before the alleged incident occurred.
The police said the case was reported on Monday, September 28, by the proprietress of the school, who alerted the command after the incident came to light.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the suspect was allegedly caught taking the pupil to an uncompleted building within the vicinity of the school.
Akata said the child was allegedly assaulted at the building before the suspect was apprehended and handed over to the police.
The PPRO said Elijah remained in police custody as investigators commenced preliminary inquiries into the allegation.
He added that the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and appropriate action.
The command said it was treating the case with seriousness because of the age of the alleged victim, while urging parents, school authorities and members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse.
The police also warned against revealing the identity, photographs or other personal details of the child, stressing that her privacy and welfare must be protected during the investigation.
