The Cross River Police Command has confrmed the arrest of a man, identified as Joseph Emmanuel for allegedly beating his 10-year-old daughter to d3ath following a domestic dispute over a misplaced petrol pipe.
The incident occurred on Wednesday 21 January 2026 at 3 Esit Ebom Street in Calabar after the child allegedly misplaced her father’s petrol pipe, which he used to siphon fuel into his commercial motorcycle.
In a heat of anger, Emmanuel reportedly assaulted the girl, inflicting fatal injuries.
The incident sparked outrage in the neighborhood, with residents attempting to lynch the suspect.
However, the situation was brought under control after one Okon Edwin of No. 5 Ekeng Ewa Street, Calabar South, promptly alerted the police.
Police operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene and rescued the suspect from mob action.
The spokesperson of the Command, SP Sunday Akata, who confirmed the incident said Emmanuel was found with visible injuries sustained during the attempted lynching and was immediately taken into custody.
The PPRO disclosed that the suspect has confessed to the crime and said to have acted out of anger.
He added that Emmanuel was taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical treatment, while the deceased child was examined and her body deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The police noted that investigations have commenced, noting that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
The incident has renewed public concern over rising cases of domestic violence and child abuse, particularly within economically strained households