The Department of State Security (DSS) in Cross River State has given evasive responses regarding the whereabouts of Bassey Akabom, a staff member of the state's Ministry of Housing's Mortgage Finance department, who has been missing since Friday, February 21, 2025.
When questioned about Akabom's possible detention, the director of DSS in Cross River State, Mrs. Roselyn Izuagbe, told journalists that she was uncertain if the civil servant was in their custody.
"We have too many people working underground on different operations. Maybe you will just give me some time to find out," Izuagbe stated, requesting more time to investigate the matter.
Family Claims Evidence of DSS Detention
Mrs. Cynthia Ironbar-Akabom, wife of the missing civil servant, has alleged that her last conversation with her husband indicated he was being held by the DSS. According to her statement to journalists, Akabom informed her that he was being kept at the DSS office by two individuals.
Further supporting these claims, a young man who requested anonymity alleged he shared a cell with Akabom in DSS custody. He revealed that Akabom's health was deteriorating due to poor detention conditions.
Royal Family Petitions Government
The Obutong/Efangha Offiong Royal House, Akabom's family, has formally petitioned the government to intervene in the case. The petition, signed by family head Dr. Ekanem Cobham (JP) and Akabom's wife, was addressed to the Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Intelligence Matters and State Planning Service Commission on April 28, 2025.
In their petition, the family alleged that Akabom is being held by top security agents without any explanation regarding what offense he might have committed, raising serious concerns about arbitrary detention.
The case highlights growing concerns about transparency in security operations and the rights of detained individuals in Nigeria.
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