Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old Cameroonian fisherman, Joseph Mbake, for allegedly def!ling a four-year-old girl in Mkpanak village, Ibeno Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, March 2, 2026.
According to the PPRO, the suspect was arrested on 1 March 2026 following an investigation into the alleged incident.
The case was reported on 24 February 2026 by the child’s mother, Gift, who said she noticed a suspicious discharge from her four-year-old daughter’s private part while bathing her.
After questioning the child, the mother was told that the girl had allegedly been s3xually abused by an adult male whom she said she could identify.
Police said a medical examination form was issued immediately and the child was taken for treatment.
Acting on intelligence, officers carried out surveillance in the area before arresting the suspect alongside others for questioning.
An identification parade was later conducted in line with police procedures, during which the child identified the suspect.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in the investigation of an alleged def!lement case involving a four-year-old child in Mkpanak Village, Mbo Local Government Area” the statement read
“On 24th February, 2026, at about 1400hrs, one Gift reported that she observed a suspicious discharge from the private part of her four-year-old daughter while bathing her.“
“Upon careful questioning, the child alleged that she had been s3xually abused by an adult male, whom she stated she could identify if seen.
“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.
“In the early hours of 1st March, 2026, one Joseph Mbake ‘M’, 36 years, a Cameroonian national and fisherman resident in Mkpanak Village, was arrested alongside others for investigation.
“An identification parade was subsequently conducted in accordance with laid-down procedures, during which the victim identified the suspect.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the alleged incident occurred on 14th February, 2026.”
Meanwhile, the Command has strongly condemned all forms of s3xual abuse, especially against minors, assuring the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.
The command therefore called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious behaviour to the nearest Police Station.