Calabar Police: Bassey Ekpo Arson Arrest, Mother Instigation Claimed

• Bassey Ekpo, 41, was arrested in Calabar, Cross River State, for allegedly setting a house ablaze.
• The incident was reported by the house occupant, Ekemini Stephen, to the Ikot Omin Police Division.
• During preliminary questioning, Ekpo claimed his 61-year-old mother instigated the arson; she is currently at large.
• The Cross River Police Command has visited the scene, gathered evidence, and is continuing its investigation to identify all involved parties.
• Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah assured the public that all culpable individuals will face legal consequences.

During initial questioning, Bassey Ekpo reportedly claimed that his actions were instigated by his 61-year-old mother.

Authorities in Cross River State have apprehended a 41-year-old man, Bassey Ekpo, in connection with an alleged arson incident in Calabar. The arrest follows a report filed on Friday concerning a house set ablaze in the 8 Miles area of the state capital. The occupant of the affected residence, Ekemini Stephen, brought the matter to the attention of the Ikot Omin Police Division, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

Working with local residents, police were able to take the suspect into custody. During initial questioning, Bassey Ekpo reportedly claimed that his actions were instigated by his 61-year-old mother. This alleged confession has introduced a new dimension to the ongoing investigation, as police now seek to locate the mother, who has been identified as a potential instigator in the Calabar house fire arrest.

The Cross River Police Command, through its spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the details of the arrest and the subsequent preliminary findings. Eitokpah's statement, issued on Saturday, underscored the police's commitment to a thorough inquiry into the incident. As part of their evidence-gathering efforts, police operatives have visited the scene of the alleged arson, meticulously documenting the damage and collecting photographic evidence.

The investigation is actively ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the house fire. A key objective of the Cross River Police arson investigation is to determine the extent of involvement of any other individuals, beyond the arrested suspect and his alleged instigator. The police spokesperson reiterated the command's assurance to residents that all persons found culpable in the incident will be held accountable under the full force of the law.

This case highlights significant aspects of Nigerian criminal law concerning arson and complicity. Arson, the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property, carries severe penalties under the law, reflecting the gravity of property destruction and potential harm to life. The alleged instigation by Bassey Ekpo's mother introduces the complex legal concept of accessory before the fact, where an individual encourages or commands another to commit a crime.

Establishing intent and the precise role of each party will be crucial as the Cross River Police arson investigation progresses. The fact that the alleged instigator is currently at large further complicates the legal proceedings, requiring law enforcement to not only prove the act of arson but also the chain of command or influence that led to its commission. The police's commitment to ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law underscores the serious nature of such offenses within the Nigerian legal framework.

This case highlights the complexities of criminal investigations involving alleged instigation and co-conspirators, which lawyers handling criminal defense in Nigeria should be aware of, particularly regarding establishing intent and involvement of multiple parties.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH