The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old Cameroonian fisherman, Joseph Mbake, for the alleged defilement of a four-year-old girl in Mkpanak Village, Mbo Local Government Area.
The incident came to light on February 24, 2026, when the child’s mother, identified as Gift, noticed a suspicious discharge from her daughter’s private parts while bathing her. Upon questioning, the child alleged she had been sexually abused by an adult male and stated she could identify her attacker.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the breakthrough in the investigation, explaining the sequence of events that led to the suspect’s capture.
“The Police promptly issued a medical examination form, and the child was taken for immediate medical attention. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives swung into action and expanded surveillance within the neighbourhood,” DSP John stated.
The expanded surveillance led to a raid in the early hours of March 1, 2026, resulting in the arrest of Mbake, a resident of Mkpanak Village, alongside other individuals for investigation.
The police subsequently conducted an identification parade in line with established procedures, during which the four-year-old victim positively identified the suspect.
Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the alleged assault took place on February 14, 2026. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command strongly condemned all forms of sexual abuse, particularly those targeted at minors.
The command assured the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviors to the nearest police station immediately.
