Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for justice and protection for the family of a 22-year-old man, Moses Mba, allegedly killed by a security aide attached to Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu.
In a petition addressed to the state’s Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, and shared with newsmen in Calabar on Sunday, the NBA condemned the incident and demanded a thorough investigation.
Chairman of the NBA’s Cross River branch, Enome Amatey, stated that the deceased’s mother, Mrs. Victoria Mba, and her family have faced harassment and intimidation while seeking justice.
The association also criticized attempts to label the deceased as mentally ill without credible medical evidence, calling it an affront to his dignity and an effort to obscure the truth.
The petition highlighted that the alleged extrajudicial killing by police erodes public trust in the Nigerian Police Force and raises serious concerns about accountability and transparency.
“We demand an immediate, comprehensive, thorough and transparent investigation into the death of the boy,” the NBA stated, emphasizing that the investigation must adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and independence.
The association further insisted that the findings be made public promptly to restore confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and police force.
The NBA expressed deep concern over the violation of fundamental rights to life, dignity, and fair treatment, as guaranteed by the constitution.
“More worrisome is the fact that the Nigerian Police Force, which is saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property of Nigerians, is now found at the ugly end of the incident,” the petition noted.
According to reports, Moses Mba was allegedly beaten and shot by a security aide at the governor’s residence on August 1 after requesting to deliver a message from God to the governor.
He succumbed to his injuries on August 9 at the Naval Reference Hospital in Calabar.
Mrs. Mba recounted, “We (my husband and I) were actually away in Abia State when the incident occurred and we got a call same day upon arrival from officials of the Red Cross Society that rushed him to the hospital.”
She added, “According to him, he only requested to see the governor and that he had a message for him from God.”
Mrs. Mba described her son as deeply devoted to God’s work from a young age, noting, “Am not making any excuses for him, my son has always been in love with God’s work right from age 10, and he has been seeing things (revelations).” She mentioned that the family had encouraged him to complete his education before fully pursuing his spiritual calling.
The NBA reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and ensuring justice in response to this tragic incident.
