Family Seeks Justice Over Death of Youth Allegedly Assaulted by Gov’s Security in Cross River
The family of 21-year-old Moses Mba is demanding justice after his death, which they allege was caused by beatings and gunshot wounds inflicted by security personnel attached to the residence of Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu.
Moses’ mother, Mrs. Victoria Mba, told the News Agency of Nigeria that her son was attacked on August 1 while attempting to deliver what he described as a divine message to the governor. He later died on August 9 at the Naval Reference Hospital, Calabar, from complications arising from the incident.
“We were away in Abia when this happened. On our return, the Red Cross informed us they had rushed him to the hospital. My son only wanted to see the governor to deliver a message from God,” Mrs. Mba said, adding that Moses had been deeply committed to religious work since childhood.
She further alleged that security operatives from the governor’s office monitored her son’s treatment at the hospital and demanded copies of all medical receipts, despite the Red Cross covering the bills.
She also claimed that when Moses died, part of the ₦54,000 mortuary fee was paid by an aide to the governor’s Chief of Staff, who later threatened the family.
Mrs. Mba accused state authorities, including the Commissioner of Police, of attempting to access her son’s body at the morgue.
She dismissed suggestions that Moses had mental health issues, stressing that he had scored 196 in JAMB, obtained excellent WAEC results, and was preparing to study Business Administration at the University of Calabar.
“I want justice for my son, who is still lying in the mortuary,” she pleaded.
In reaction, the Cross River State Government condemned the beating and shooting but denied involvement of the governor’s official security aides. Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, clarified that Moses had gone to the governor’s former residence, not his official one, and alleged that video evidence showed him throwing stones at a lone security officer.
“He was not mentally stable at the time and even apologised for throwing stones. Nonetheless, we strongly condemn the incident. No one should be happy about this, regardless of the circumstances,” Ekpang said.
The State Police Commissioner confirmed the case has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice, adding that the police would act based on the DPP’s recommendations.
