Mother Alleges Police Shot Son for Preaching at Cross River Governor’s Residence

A businesswoman from Abia State, Mrs. Victoria Mba, has made harrowing claims that her 22-year-old son, Moses Onyekachi Mba, was fatally shot by police officers after attempting to deliver a divine message at the former residence of the Cross River State Governor in Calabar.

Moses, an aspiring university student with a passion for evangelism, was reportedly driven by a vision from God to boldly preach at the governor’s residence, known as the State House. According to his mother, upon arrival, Moses was denied entry by about five policemen who asked if he had an appointment. Despite explaining the spiritual nature of his mission, Moses was turned away, only to return a second time seeking to meet the governor—an encounter that ended in brutal violence.

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Mrs. Mba recounted that her son was treated as a threat, beaten, and shot, then left to bleed on the ground from around 11 a.m. until late afternoon. The critical situation only changed when Red Cross officials, alerted by gunshots, found Moses and rushed him to the Navy Hospital in Calabar. Despite undergoing a six-hour surgery and multiple blood transfusions costing the family hundreds of thousands of naira, Moses slipped into a coma and passed away on August 9, days after the ordeal.

Shockingly, Mrs. Mba described how authorities seemed more intent on concealment than compassion, stationing police around her son as though he was a criminal rather than a victim in critical condition. The family faced further frustration when officials attempted to gain unauthorized access to Moses’ body and spread claims that he was mentally unstable, a narrative fiercely disputed by his mother. She affirmed that Moses had a credible academic record, including a JAMB score of 196, and had been preparing for university admission before his tragic death.

Despite multiple petitions, no meaningful investigation or communication has been forthcoming from the Cross River State Government or police authorities. The governor’s office reportedly showed little concern, and the family has faced intimidation.

Governor Bassey Otu condemned the incident as a callous abuse of authority and has directed the immediate arrest and investigation of the officers involved. He assured the public and the bereaved family of his administration’s commitment to justice, accountability, and transparency.

Mrs. Mba’s plea is simple: she wants the truth, justice for her son, and the right to bury him with dignity. The tragic loss of Moses Mba, a peaceful and compassionate young man, has sparked widespread calls for reform and respect for human rights in law enforcement in Cross River State.