Residents of Iwuru Obio Ntan in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State have been thrown into shock following the arrest of a man, Samson Matthew Ebop (popularly known as Ecomoc), for repeatedly sexually abusing his 15-year-old biological daughter.

The suspect, who is reportedly in his 40s, allegedly subjected the teenager to prolonged sexual exploitation after she moved back into his custody following her parents` separation.

Local sources revealed that the victim initially fought off her father’s advances, but eventually capitulated after he repeatedly threatened her with a knife and vowed to kill her if she exposed the illicit affair.

The breakthrough came when the traumatised teenager began confiding in neighbours within her compound. On the advice of a resident, the victim formally reported the ordeal to her father’s local "age grade" association, presenting concrete proof of the abuse alongside corroborating medical reports.

Following an emergency interrogation at the village square, Ebop—who initially maintained his innocence—allegedly confessed to the crime when confronted with the medical evidence. The confession sparked outrage among local youths, who reportedly beat up the suspect before dragging him to the village head. The traditional ruler subsequently directed that the matter be formally escalated to law enforcement.

Fearing escape, the community youths handed Ebop over to military personnel operating in the area pending a formal handover to civil authorities. Investigation into the suspect’s background further revealed a history of alleged notorious activities, including past ties to cultism, the sexual assault of elderly women on local farms, and multiple cases of theft.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Cross River State Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, stated that the command has launched a full-scale investigation into the matter and assured the public that justice would be served swiftly.