By Hassanat Adebowale
A Chief Magistrate Court in Calabar, Cross River State has ordered the remand of Inspector Effiong Bassey in a correctional facility for allegedly shooting and killing the wife of a retired police officer and injuring two others. The incident occurred on Sunday morning when the officer reportedly opened fire on passersby without provocation.
The remand order was issued by Chief Magistrate Mercy Ene during Bassey’s arraignment on Monday. The decision followed an ex parte motion filed by SP Otu Ubangah, the legal officer representing the state police command. Ubangah explained that the motion was necessary while awaiting legal advice from the state Attorney General.
The prosecutor supported the application with a six-paragraph affidavit and a written address. Chief Magistrate Ene granted the motion and adjourned the case to April 14, 2025, pending the report from the State Department for Public Prosecution (DPP).
The state police command has appealed for calm from the public and the victims’ families as investigations continue. In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo, the police assured that “justice, fairness, and equity will prevail, and the outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course.”
The shooting incident has drawn widespread attention, with many calling for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability. The two injured victims are reportedly receiving medical treatment, while the circumstances surrounding the inspector’s actions remain under scrutiny.
Homicide and the unlawful use of firearms are grave crimes that carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or, in extreme cases, capital punishment. Both the Criminal Code Act and the Police Act establish strict rules for firearm usage, especially for law enforcement officers, to prevent such tragedies.
This case could also highlight the effectiveness of police oversight mechanisms in the country. The involvement of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in providing legal advice suggests the officer may face multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case has the potential to set an important precedent for holding law enforcement officers accountable for excessive use of force or extrajudicial actions. It could also prompt further examination of how such incidents are managed within the criminal justice system.
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