Two elderly men arrested for trying to rape 12-year-old girl

The police in Cross River State have arrested two elderly men, ages 68 and 70, over claims that they tried to rape a 12-year-old girl in Calabar.

The suspects, named Moris Monday, 68, and Asuquo Effiom, 70, were taken in on Sunday after the girl's father made a complaint. This was confirmed by Sunday Eitokpah, the police spokesman in the state.

The alleged incident happened in the Thomas Henshaw area of Calabar.

In a statement, Mr Eitokpah said the girl claimed that Mr Monday, who repairs shoes, lured her into his room twice and tried to rape her.

The incidents involving Mr Monday are said to have occurred on 13 and 14 August, according to Mr Eitokpah, who is an assistant superintendent of police.

The girl also claimed that Mr Effiom lured her into his room on 22 August and tried to rape her.

After receiving the complaint, police operatives went to the Hokins Road area near the Thomas Henshaw Junction. They found the two suspects being held by community members.

“They were then taken into police custody,” Mr Eitokpah said.

The police noted that both suspects have given statements to investigators but denied the claims against them.

Mr Eitokpah added that the girl has been taken to a medical facility for examination. The case has been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and necessary legal action.