Police in Calabar have arrested 22-year-old security guard Bright Bassey Elijah following allegations of sexually assaulting a five-year-old pupil near school grounds.
CALABAR, Nigeria — Operatives of the Cross River State Police Command have taken a 22-year-old security guard into custody following allegations that he sexually assaulted a five-year-old nursery and primary school pupil in Calabar.
The suspect, identified by law enforcement as Bright Bassey Elijah, was assigned to serve as a guard at the victim’s school premises.
According to official police reports, the incident was formally brought to light on September 28, 2026, when the school’s proprietress reported the matter to local authorities.
Statements from the police indicate the suspect was caught in the act of leading the young pupil toward an uncompleted building adjacent to the school property, where the alleged assault took place.
Confirming the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, stated that preliminary investigations were underway.
“The suspect is currently in police custody while preliminary investigations are ongoing,” Eitokpah confirmed. He added that the case would be officially transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further discreet and exhaustive investigation.
The Cross River State Police Command emphasized that the case is being handled with utmost urgency due to the tender age of the victim and the necessity of upholding child-protection laws.
“The command is treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves, considering the age of the alleged victim and the need to protect children from abuse and exploitation,” Eitokpah said. He reassured the public that standard legal and child-protection protocols would be strictly observed throughout the proceedings.
In light of the investigation, police authorities urged parents, guardians, educators, and community members across Calabar and Cross River State to remain vigilant and report any suspected instances of child exploitation or abuse immediately.
The command also issued a strong caution against publishing or sharing the victim’s identity, photographs, or any other identifying details across social media or news platforms, highlighting the legal and moral responsibility to safeguard the child’s privacy and long-term welfare.
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