Court remands police officer in prison over alleged involvement in killings

…adjourns case to April 14

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State has ordered Inspector Effiong Bassey to be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Afokang Calabar South.

Recall that the police Inspector, Effiong Bassey, had on Sunday morning opened fire on traders, buyers and other road users around Atakpa Divisional Headquarters killing a woman identified as Ijeoma Wilson and wounding several others.

Superintendent Otu Ubangah, Officer in Charge of Legal, Cross River State Police Command approached the court seeking an ex parte motion to remand the Inspector while waiting for legal advice from the state Attorney General.

Superintendent Ubangah told the court that his application was supported by a six paragraph affidavit and a written address.

The Chief Magistrate Mercy Toney Ene of Court 1, Moore Road Calabar while ruling on the case number MC/199/25, said that Inspector Bassey should remain in the correctional centre pending legal advice from the Attorney General of Cross River State.

Responding, the police in a statement signed and issued to newsmen shortly after the incident reads; “The Cross River State Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident that occurred today, 23rd March, 2025, at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar, at approximately 0555hrs”

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“A statement signed by Superintendent Irene Ugbo, Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command narrated that Inspector Effiong Bassey, serving at Atakpa Divisional, returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank and began to exhibit abnormal behavior”.

“According to the police spokesperson, Inspector Bassey refused to hand over the AK-47 rifle he was assigned and instead proceeded to block the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises. Despite attempts at peaceful dialogue to resolve the situation, the officer’s actions escalated”.

“Tactical Units/Patrol teams were deployed to the scene, where Inspector Bassey, suspected to be mentally deranged, opened fire on bystanders who had been instructed to leave the area”. 

“The police confirmed that three individuals were struck by the officer’s stray bullets, including Ijeoma Wilson Obot, a 41-year-old female, who later succumbed to her injuries. The other two victims, Charles Mkpang and another individual, are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition”.