The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Saviour Otu Adim, in connection with the alleged murder of his six-year-old stepdaughter, Goodness Ekpo Okon, in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The police confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday, August 28, 2026, through the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata.

According to the police, the incident was reported at about 8:30 a.m. by the child’s mother, Mrs Itoro Udofia, who alleged that the suspect assaulted the girl, resulting in her death.

Preliminary investigation by the police indicated that the suspect had allegedly accused the child of being a witch before the incident. Authorities have not concluded the investigation, and the circumstances surrounding the child’s death are still being established.

Following the report, the suspect was taken into police custody as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at a mortuary for an autopsy, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for further investigation.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about child protection and the dangers of harmful accusations against children. The police have urged parents, guardians and caregivers to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse promptly to the appropriate authorities.

The command also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information or taking the law into their own hands, stressing the importance of allowing investigators to establish the facts of the case.

As investigations continue, authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and determine the appropriate legal action based on the findings.

Source: Cross River State Police Command