By A Chief Magistrate Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has ordered the remand of Inspector Effiong Bassey, a police officer who allegedly opened fire on passersby, killing a woman and injuring others.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning near the Atakpa Divisional Police Headquarters after a heated argument between Bassey and his colleagues. The officer’s actions led to the death of 41-year-old Ijeoma Wilson, the wife of another police officer, while several others sustained bullet wounds.
During the court proceedings, Superintendent Otu Ubangah, the Officer in Charge of Legal at the Cross River State Police Command, filed a motion ex parte requesting Bassey’s remand while awaiting legal advice from the state prosecutor.
Ubangah informed the court that his application was backed by a six-paragraph affidavit and a written address. The prosecution is awaiting recommendations from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) before proceeding further.
Chief Magistrate Mercy Ene granted the request and adjourned the case until April 14, 2025, pending the DPP’s report.
The case has sparked public outcry, with demands for justice for the victims and calls for stricter measures to prevent police brutality.
