Not sure we have him: DSS on detention of missing Cross River finance staff

There are strong indications that Bassey Akabom, a staff member of the Cross River State Ministry of Housing’s Mortgage Finance department, who has been missing since Friday, February 21,2025, was detained by the Department of State Security, DSS.

However, the secret police in Cross River State have been evasive on whether the civil servant was in their custody.

The director of DSS in the state, Mrs Roselyn Izuagbe told journalists that she was not sure if the missing person was in their custody or not.

“We have too many people working underground on different operations.

“Maybe you will just give me some time to find out,” Izuagbe requested.

But, Mrs Cynthia Ironbar-Akabom, wife of the missing person, alleged that the last discussion she had with the husband indicated that he was in the custody of the secret DSS

Cynthia, the missing person’s wife, told journalists that her husband was being kept at the office by two individuals.

A young man (name withheld) claimed he shared same cell with Akabom in DSS custody, revealing that Akabom’s health was deteriorating due to poor conditions.

Akabom’s family, the Obutong/Efangha Offiong Royal House, in a petition, signed by the family head, Dr Ekanem Cobham (JP) and wife Cynthia Ironbar- Bassey appealed for government’s intervention to effect his release.

The letter addressed to the Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Intelligence Matters and State Planning Service Commission, dated April 28, 2025, alleged that Akabom is being held by top security agents without explanation regarding the offense he committed.