Police rescue 25-year-old woman abducted, assaulted and held captive by her boyfriend in Calabar

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man, Desire Deseye, for abducting and assaulting his girlfriend, Livina, in Calabar. 

The spokesperson for the command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, who disclosed this in a statement April 16, 2026, said the 25-year-old victim was rescued following a report by her sister, alleging that she left home to visit her boyfriend and failed to return.

The complainant also stated that on the same date, April 11,  she received a photo of her sister showing visible bruises all over her body, alongside a distress message alleging that the suspect had assaulted her, seized her phone, and locked her inside his room. 

“The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one Desire Deseye “M” 27 years and successfully rescued one Livina “F” 25 years a victim of abduction and unlawful restraint in Calabar,” the statement read.

 

“On the 12th of April, 2026, at about 1500hrs, following a report by one Mercy  “F” alleging that her sister, Livina “F”, 25 years, left home on the 11th of April, 2026, to visit her boyfriend and failed to return.” 

 

“The complainant further stated that at about 2235hrs on the same date, she received a photograph of her sister showing visible bruises all over her body, alongside a distress message alleging that the suspect (her boyfriend), had assaulted and inflicted injuries on her, seized her phone, and locked her inside his room, preventing her from leaving.

 

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene where the victim was rescued and the suspect arrested.

The victim has since been taken to a medical facility for treatment, while the suspect is currently in custody.

“Investigation into the case is ongoing to unravel the facts of the matter 

 

“The Command assures the public of its commitment to promptly responding to all forms of criminal activties and urges residents to report incidents promptly via the following contact : Control room (emergency):

07041777060,07053355415 ot to the nearest police formation.”