The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one Austin Etim, a male nurse who works with the General Hospital, Calabar, for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl inside the male ward of the hospital.
The suspect, who was arrested on Monday, November 14, following reports by the hospital management and intervention of the Ministry of Health, allegedly committed the crime on Saturday, November 12.
It was gathered that the victim (name withheld), who sexually assaulted by the male nurse, was taking care of her sick father at the hospital’s male ward, while the mother was running around for other things.
Sources within the hospital said the suspect used a scarf to tie up the victim before assaulting her.
“The girl said he (the suspect) hit her twice before penetrating while tying her hands with a scarf. She lost strength while shouting, but the suspect overpowered her and had his way,” said a nurse who pleaded anonymity.
According to the nurse source, “The next morning, which was Sunday, the girl who was seen crying, reported the matter to another nurse on duty as well as her mum, who collapsed when she heard the incident.
“The furious mother called their pastor, who promised to come to the hospital after church service, but suddenly, the mother of the teenager changed her mind and said she didn’t want the matter prosecuted any longer.”
However, it was gathered that the management of the hospital after severally interrogating the suspect, who denied being involved in such act, called the police and he was arrested.
Reacting to the matter, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Iwara Iwara, said the suspect has been suspended and the hospital has been given 48 hours to medically examine the teenager and produce her medical report for onward prosecution of the matter.
