The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Saviour Otu Adim, over the alleged death of his six-year-old stepdaughter, Goodness Ekpo Okon, in Bakassi Local Government Area.
According to The Guardian Nigeria, the arrest followed a report made by Mrs Itoro Udofia at about 8:30 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Udofia reportedly told the police that Adim assaulted the child, resulting in her death.
Child Allegedly Accused of Witchcraft
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Cross River State Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect had allegedly accused the child of being a witch before the assault.
The precise circumstances surrounding the child’s death remain under investigation.
Suspect Remains in Police Custody
The police said Adim remained in custody, while the child’s remains had been deposited at a mortuary for an autopsy.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar for a comprehensive investigation.
Investigators are expected to establish the cause of death, examine the allegation against the suspect and determine the appropriate legal action.
Police Warn Against Child Abuse
The Cross River State Police Command urged parents, guardians, caregivers and other members of the public to protect children and report suspected cases of abuse promptly.
The Command also cautioned residents against spreading unverified information or taking the law into their own hands.
The allegations against Adim have not been determined by a court. He remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
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