An Inspector of Police, Effiong Bassey has been remanded in a correctional facility by a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Calabar for allegedly shooting and killing a retired police officer’s wife while injuring two others.

The remand order was issued by Chief Magistrate Mercy Ene during Bassey’s arraignment on Monday. His detention followed an ex parte motion presented by SP Otu Ubangah, the legal officer in charge of the state police command.

During the court proceedings, Ubangah explained that the motion was necessary while awaiting legal advice from the state Attorney General. He informed the court that his request was backed by a six-paragraph affidavit and a written address.

Granting the application, the magistrate ordered that the Inspector remain in custody and adjourned the case to April 14, pending a report from the State Department for Public Prosecution.

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The incident, which took place on Sunday morning, saw the officer opening fire on passersby without any provocation. One of the victims, the wife of a retired officer, succumbed to her injuries, while two others were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, the state police command has called for calm, assuring the public and the families of the victims that a thorough investigation is ongoing.

In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo, pledged that justice would be served and the findings of the investigation would be made public in due course.

NAN