CALABAR — The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a man and launched a search for other suspects following the alleged sexual assault and unlawful confinement of a 15 year old girl in Calabar.

Police identified the arrested man as Felix Solomon, who is currently assisting investigators as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and identify other people suspected of involvement.

Cross River Police spokesperson ASP Sunday Eitokpah said the girl was allegedly forcibly taken to a residence in the 8 Miles area of Calabar on September 4.

According to the police account, she was allegedly sexually assaulted by two suspects and prevented from leaving the residence for approximately three days.

Following a report to the Ikpa Omin Police Division, officers arrested Solomon.

“Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly involved in the incident,” Eitokpah said.

Police have not disclosed what role Solomon is alleged to have played in the incident, describing him as a person currently assisting investigators with relevant information.

The command has also not publicly identified the other individuals being sought.

Child protection procedures activated

Police said appropriate investigative and child protection procedures have been activated to safeguard the girl's welfare, dignity and privacy.

Authorities are withholding her identity and other information that could lead to her identification because she is a minor and an alleged survivor of sexual violence.

Cross River Commissioner of Police Ajo Geoffrey Ordue has directed investigators to handle the case professionally and in accordance with the law.

The commissioner said anyone found culpable following the investigation would be prosecuted.

He also warned against sexual violence involving children and urged parents, guardians and members of the public to promptly report suspected abuse to police or appropriate child protection authorities.

Police caution against trial by media

The command has cautioned the public against reaching conclusions about the guilt of anyone linked to the investigation before the case is determined through the legal process.

Police stressed that all suspects remain presumed innocent unless and until convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The investigation remains ongoing, with officers working to identify and locate other people allegedly connected to the incident.

The case comes amid continuing concern over sexual violence against children in Cross River State.

In recent months, courts in the state have handed down several life sentences in separate cases involving sexual offences against minors.

In June, a Family Court in Calabar sentenced a 41 year old man to life imprisonment following his conviction for raping an 11 year old girl.

That followed separate life sentences imposed in April and May in other cases involving sexual offences against children.

The latest Calabar case has not yet reached that stage.

No court has determined the allegations, and police say their investigation is continuing.