The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old security guard, Bright Bassey, attached to a nursery and primary school in Calabar, over the alleged sexual assault of a five-year-old pupil. The arrest followed a report lodged on September 28, 2026, by the proprietress of the school. According to the report, the security guard was caught taking the pupil to an uncompleted building near the school premises, where the alleged assault occurred.
The suspect is currently in police custody, and preliminary investigation has commenced. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eitokpah Akata, confirmed the arrest in a statement. He said the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. The police command is treating the matter with seriousness, given the age of the victim.
The PPRO urged parents, guardians, and school authorities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities. He also advised members of the public against sharing the identity or personal details of the child in order to protect her privacy. The police command is following all child-protection procedures in the investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of pupils in schools. The proprietress of the school took swift action by reporting the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of the suspect. The police command's swift response has been commended by stakeholders.
The suspect, Bright Bassey, is a 22-year-old security guard who was employed by the school to provide security services. His actions have been described as reprehensible by stakeholders. The police are working to determine how the suspect was able to carry out the alleged assault without being detected.
The Cross River State Police Command has assured the public that it will do everything possible to ensure that justice is served in this case. The command has also urged stakeholders to cooperate with it in the investigation. The incident is under investigation, and further details will be provided as they become available.
The police command's efforts to address the issue of child abuse and protect pupils in schools have been welcomed by stakeholders. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected cases of child abuse.
Key points
- The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old security guard for allegedly assaulting a 5-year-old pupil in Calabar.
- The suspect, Bright Bassey, is currently in police custody, and preliminary investigation has commenced.
- The police command is following all child-protection procedures in the investigation and has urged stakeholders to cooperate with it.
