Calabar Police Detain Two Elderly Men for Alleged S3xual Assault on 12-Year-Old

The Cross River State Police Command has taken two senior citizens into custody in Calabar following allegations of attempted s3xual assault on a minor. The suspects, identified as 70-year-old Asuquo Effiom and 68-year-old shoemaker Moris Monday, were apprehended on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Their arrest came after the father of the 12-year-old victim lodged a formal complaint.

ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the command's spokesperson, confirmed the incident, stating that the alleged occurrences took place in the Thomas Henshaw area of Calabar. According to preliminary investigations, the victim recounted that Moris Monday, who works as a shoe repairer, allegedly enticed her into his room on two separate dates, August 13 and 14, 2026, with intentions to s3xually assault her. She further claimed that on August 22, 2026, Asuquo Effiom similarly lured her into his room and attempted to s3xually assault her.

Akata detailed that the suspects were found in the custody of community members near the Hawkins Road area by Thomas Henshaw Junction before being transferred to police custody. While the accused have denied all allegations, the police have referred the young victim to a government-approved medical facility for a thorough examination.

The case has now been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive and discreet investigation, which will lead to appropriate legal actions. The Command reassured the public of its commitment to handling the matter professionally and strictly according to the law, promising to provide updates as the investigation progresses.