The Journey Into Public Service.
In Uyo, through his cousin Prince Edwin Joseph Ekanem, the first university graduate in Ito Clan, Bassey secured employment as a store clerk in the Forestry Department. He attended evening and correspondence classes, earning five credits in the GCE Ordinary Level, a rare feat for a self-funded young man.
When his younger brother tragically passed away in 1973, the blow was devastating, but it became a turning point. On the advice of his family, he applied to join the Nigeria Police Force, a path he had never considered. Against all odds, he was selected, screened in Calabar, and sent to the Police College, Ikeja for training in March 1974.
His training reports were glowing: “A brilliant recruit constable who is hardworking and well behaved. He will do well in the Force.” That prophecy came true. He graduated among the top of his class, beginning what would become an extraordinary 35-year career marked by professionalism, discipline, and divine favour.
A Distinguished Police Career
From Constable in 1974 to Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2005, Chief Bassey Inyang rose through every rank on merit. He served in Rivers, Cross River, Anambra, Ogun, and beyond, earning the respect of his superiors and subordinates alike. His service record was filled with commendations: “a clean, smart, intelligent and fearless officer,” “a disciplined and dependable leader,” “a man of integrity and impeccable character.”
In the 1980s, he completed several advanced courses at the Police Colleges in Ikeja and Oji River, where he graduated among the top of his class. His superiors saw in him the rare combination of intellect, discipline, and empathy, qualities that made him a natural leader.
By the late 1980s, he was leading investigative units and special panels. As Officer-in-Charge of the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) in Cross River State, his professionalism and integrity were repeatedly commended by Commissioners of Police, who described his reports as models of excellence. He later served as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Military Governor of Rivers State, where he gained deeper insight into governance and public administration.
By the 1990s, his performance earned him accelerated promotions through the ranks of Deputy Superintendent, Superintendent, and Chief Superintendent of Police.
Courage and Leadership in the Field
Chief Inyang’s leadership shone brightest in times of crisis. In the mid-1990s, he was posted as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Odukpani, his home division, during a tense period of unrest. Through tact and fairness, he restored peace, recovered seized weapons, and rebuilt public trust. His Command Commissioner described him as “a hardworking and intelligent officer with a firm grip of his men, well fitted for accelerated promotion.”
He later became DPO of Ugep and Ikom, managing communal conflicts, curbing violent crimes, and mediating between warring communities. His ability to combine firmness with diplomacy won him recognition across the State. In 1997, he was nominated to lead Nigeria’s police contingent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Bosnia Herzegovina and later Kosovo.
At the UN Mission, his superiors wrote: “Inyang Bassey proved to be highly professional in policing and human rights investigations. His precision and integrity earned him promotion to the Special Response Unit and the respect of colleagues across nations.”
He received United Nations Peacekeeping Medals for exemplary service in both missions (1998 and 1999).
Service at the Highest Levels
Upon his return, he continued to distinguish himself in leadership roles; Area Commander, Ahoada, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, and later in Ogun State Command. As Area Commander of Ahoada (covering 13 Local Government Areas), he tackled cultism, kidnapping, and oil-related violence during one of Rivers State’s most volatile periods. His strategic leadership restored order to communities long torn by conflict.
In 2005, he was promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). His Command Commissioner, CP Samuel Adetuyi, wrote in his assessment: “A mature and seasoned officer who is also a lawyer by training. Worked tirelessly as Area Commander Ahoada where he put to use his wealth of experience and knowledge. An asset to the Force.”
When his superior went on leave, DCP Inyang frequently served as Acting Commissioner of Police, handling critical operations, including politically sensitive security duties during the 2006 Rivers State gubernatorial primaries. He retired meritoriously in March 2009 after an unblemished 35-year service.
The Lawyer and Advocate
Even while serving in the Police, Chief Inyang pursued higher education, earning his LL.B (Hons.) from the University of Calabar and later his B.L. from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos in 1996. His dual expertise in law and policing made him one of Nigeria’s most respected law-enforcement professionals.
After retirement, he founded Bassey Inyang, Okpo-Mfon & Associates, a reputable law firm in Calabar, offering services in criminal law, property law, and general legal practice. He mentored many young lawyers and bridged understanding between the Bar and the Police, fostering mutual respect between both institutions.
