The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, has called for a transparent investigation into the alleged killing of Moses Mba, 21, by a police officer attached to Governor Bassey Otu’s residence, as well as the protection of the deceased’s mother.
This request is contained in a petition addressed to the state’s Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, and was made available to journalists in Calabar over the weekend.
In the petition, signed by the chairman of the Calabar branch of the NBA, Mr. Enome Amatey, it stated that the deceased’s mother, Mrs. Victoria Mba, and her family have faced intimidation and harassment in their pursuit of justice regarding the death.
The lawyers also demanded a transparent investigation into the alleged killing and stated that the attempt to label the deceased as mentally ill without verifiable medical evidence must cease immediately.
The bar noted that this attempt undermines the integrity of the investigation and the dignity of the human person of the deceased.
According to the petition, “The alleged extrajudicial killing of Moses Mba by police officers erodes public trust in the Nigeria Police Force and raises critical issues of accountability, transparency, and justice.
“Furthermore, the reported attempt to stigmatise the deceased as mentally ill without credible evidence appears to be an affront to his dignity and an apparent effort to subvert the truth and exculpate the officers responsible from responsibility.
“So, we demand an immediate, comprehensive, thorough, and transparent investigation into the death of the boy.
“This investigation must be conducted with the highest standards of professionalism and independence to ascertain the facts and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“The investigation, as well as the findings of the investigation, should be made public and in a timely manner to ensure transparency, accountability and restore public confidence in the Nigerian justice system and the Nigerian Police Force,” it stated.
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The bar noted that it has taken an interest in the tragic incident, particularly as it pertains to the fundamental rights to life, dignity, and fair treatment under the law, as enshrined in the constitution.
“The bar remains committed to its core mandate of upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and ensuring justice. It 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 the lives and property of Nigerians, is now found at the ugly end of the incident,” it said.
It should be noted that the 21-year-old boy was reportedly beaten and shot by a security aide attached to the residence of the governor of Cross River, Bassey Otu, on 1 August.
The boy reportedly visited the governor’s residence and asked to see him because he had a message from God to deliver to the governor.
The deceased’s mother explained that the boy died on August 9 at the Naval Reference Hospital in Calabar, following injuries sustained from the beating and gunshot wound.
“My husband and I were actually away in Abia State when the incident occurred, and we received a call on the same day after arriving from an official of the Red Cross Society who rushed him to the hospital.
“On our arrival at the hospital, we sought to enquire from our son about the events that led to the beating and subsequent shooting.
“According to him, he only requested to see the governor and said that he had a message for him from God.
“I’m not making any excuses for him; my son has always been in love with God’s work since age 10, and he has been seeing things (revelations). We only pleaded with him to complete his education before fully engaging in God’s work,” she explained.