By CrossRiverWatch Admin
Some top politicians in Cross River State have been on rounds of frantic efforts trying to lobby the Nigeria Police Force, Cross River State Command to release one of the arrested gangerster and alleged kidnapper, Cyril Bassey, who was earlier declared wanted by the State Government alongside 34 others for involvement in gang activities which resulted in the killings of some rival gang members.
Investigation have revealed that the politicians are bent on releasing him from the Police net so that he can go back and be sworn in as the Councillor representing Ward 6 in Calabar South, having won the election while he was on the run from the eyes of the security agents.
Before now, all those that were declared wanted by the State Government had earlier been charged with murder cases, but investigations revealed that the politicians are trying to lobby the Police to change the case file of Cyril Bassey from murder to “suspected cultist”, so that he can be charged to Court and thereafter be granted bail.
A source from the Police, who pleaded anonymity, said the Anti Kidnapping and Cultism Unit are focused and straight forward on prosecuting Cyril Bassey, hence their firm resolve to ensure that the law takes it course with a view to serve as a deterrence to other gangsters.
The source revealed that the politicians are now trying to lobby for the release of Cyril Bassey through the State Command.
The Police Officer said, “As we speak, some politicians in the State, especially from Calabar South are running helter skelter, trying to change the case file of Cyril Bassey from murder to suspected gangsters so that he can be charged to Court and granted bail.
“But, the Commander of Anti Kidnapping and Cultism Unit has turned down their plea and pressure. He wants the right thing to be done in the face of justice.
“My brother, if this guy is released back to the society, he will surely go back and get involved in gang activities again. How can we arrest a deadly gangster like Cyril Bassey and some politicians want him released from police custody?
“If they succeed in releasing him, then our efforts in chasing those who are causing problems in the society would have been scuttled.
“We want Cyril Bassey to face murder trial so that he can serve jail term, only then can we be satisfied and our morale boasted to keep fighting all forms of criminality in the State.
“We want members of the society, the Press, Civil Society Organisations and concerned individuals to put pressure on this matter because this Cyril Bassey of a guy has given us so much headache with his gang activities”.
As at the time of filing this report, the Police State Command PRO, DSP Irene Ugbo wasn’t available for comment as her mobile number was switched off.