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The Calabar Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killing of 22-year-old Moses Mba by policemen stationed at the former residence of the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu.
In a letter dated September 8, 2025, addressed to the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, the NBA raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Mba’s death, which occurred on August 1, 2025, at the State Housing area of Calabar.
The young preacher was reportedly shot by the policemen after requesting to preach to the governor and later died on August 9 at a hospital where he was receiving treatment.
Mba’s death sparked widespread outrage among residents and social media users, with his family demanding justice and proper investigation into the incident.
The Calabar NBA’s letter, signed by Chairman Enomes Amatey, read, “The NBA Calabar Branch, committed to its core mandate of upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and ensuring justice, is deeply troubled by the reported circumstances surrounding this incident.
“More worrisome is the fact that the Nigeria 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 association condemned alleged attempts to label the deceased as mentally ill, describing such moves as an ‘affront to his dignity and an apparent effort to subvert the truth and exculpate the officers responsible.”
The association emphasised its determination to ensure accountability, noting that the killing had eroded public trust in the police.
It also listed demands, including an immediate, independent investigation and protection for Mba’s mother, Victoria Mba.