Death-for-preaching: NBA demands probe into police killing of 22-year-old

The Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar Branch, has called for a transparent and public investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killing of 22-year-old Moses Mba by policemen attached to the former residence of the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu.

In a letter dated September 8, 2025, and addressed to the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, the NBA expressed concern over Mba’s killing, which occurred on August 1, 2025, at the State Housing area of Calabar.

The young preacher was allegedly shot by the policemen stationed at Otu’s former residence when he requested to preach to the governor.

He later died on August 9 at a hospital where he was taken to for treatment.

Mba’s killing sparked outrage among residents and on social media, prompting the family to demand justice and an investigation.

The Calabar NBA’s letter, signed by its Chairman, Enomes Amatey, read, “The NBA Calabar Branch, committed to its core mandate of upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and ensuring justice, 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 lives and property of Nigerians, is now found at the ugly end of the incident.

The association condemned alleged attempts to label the deceased as mentally ill, describing such moves as an ‘affront to his dignity and an apparent effort to subvert the truth and exculpate the officers responsible.”

It added that the association was determined to ensure accountability on the matter, saying Mba’s killing eroded public trust in the police.

The association listed several demands, including an immediate, comprehensive and independent investigation into the incident, and protection of Mba’s mother, Victoria Mba