The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, has demanded a transparent investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killing of 22-year-old preacher, Moses Mba, by policemen guarding the former residence of Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu.
In a letter dated September 8 and addressed to the state Commissioner of Police, the association expressed deep concern over the incident, which occurred on August 1 in the State Housing area of Calabar.
Mba was reportedly shot after he approached officers on duty at the residence to request permission to preach to the governor.
He was rushed to a hospital, where he died on August 9.
The killing has drawn widespread outrage among residents and on social media, with Mba’s family insisting on justice and accountability.
In its letter, signed by Chairman Enomes Amatey, the NBA condemned alleged attempts to portray the victim as mentally unstable, describing the move as an affront to his dignity and a ploy to shield the officers involved.
“The NBA Calabar Branch, committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and ensuring justice, is deeply troubled by the circumstances surrounding this incident,” the statement read.
The association noted that the incident had further eroded public trust in the police, stressing that those meant to protect lives should not be implicated in such abuses.
The NBA demanded an immediate, comprehensive, and independent probe into the killing, as well as protection for the victim’s mother, Mrs. Victoria Mba, to ensure she is not intimidated during the investigation.