The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, has called for a full-scale, transparent investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killing of 22-year-old Moses Mba by police officers assigned to the former residence of Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu.
In a formal letter dated September 8, 2025, and addressed to the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, the NBA expressed grave concern over the incident, which occurred on August 1, 2025, in the State Housing area of Calabar.
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What Happened
Mba, a young street preacher, was reportedly shot by policemen when he approached the former governor’s residence to request permission to preach. He sustained gunshot injuries and later died on August 9 at a hospital where he was receiving treatment.
His death ignited outrage across social media and among local residents, with widespread demands for justice and police accountability.
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NBA’s Position
In the letter signed by its chairman, Enomes Amatey, the NBA Calabar Branch condemned the killing and emphasized its commitment to human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
> “It is deeply troubling that the Nigeria Police Force, entrusted with protecting citizens, appears to be responsible for this tragic loss of life,” the association stated.
The NBA also criticized alleged attempts by authorities to portray the late Mba as mentally unstable—calling it a “deliberate affront to his dignity” and an apparent effort to deflect blame from the officers involved.
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Key Demands
The NBA laid out a series of demands, including:
An immediate and independent investigation into the shooting
Public transparency in handling the case
Accountability for the officers involved
Protection and support for Mba’s mother, Victoria Mba
The association noted that failure to act decisively could further erode public trust in the police, adding that it is committed to pursuing justice in the matter.
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