A Cameroonian fisherman has been arrested in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, on suspicion of sexually abusing a four-month-old baby after the child's mother reported abnormal symptoms during bathing.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command announced the arrest of 36-year-old Joseph Mbake, a Cameroonian fisherman, for allegedly sexually abusing a four-month-old infant in Mkpanak Village, Mbo Local Government Area. The arrest was prompted by a report from the child's mother, Gift, who noticed suspicious symptoms while bathing the baby, leading her to raise the alarm and seek assistance from the authorities.
Following the report, police operatives diligently conducted an investigation that included interrogating the victim, who was able to identify the suspect. The police's swift response involved increasing surveillance in the area, which culminated in Mbake's arrest on February 24, 2026. The police spokesperson highlighted the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting in such sensitive cases, which contributed to the effective apprehension of the alleged perpetrator.
The incident sheds light on concerning trends of child abuse in the region, prompting calls for more robust measures to protect minors and empower communities to act. The identification parade conducted as part of the investigative process underscores the police's commitment to ensuring justice and thorough investigation in cases of alleged sexual offenses, particularly those against vulnerable populations like children.
