Mrs Victoria Mba, mother of late 22-year-old Moses Mba, has declared her intention to sue the Cross River State Government over the death of her son, who was allegedly shot by security operatives at the former residence of Governor Bassey Otu in Calabar.
The incident occurred on August 1, 2025, when Moses reportedly attempted to see the governor. He was said to have been shot and beaten by security personnel before being taken to the Naval Reference Hospital. Despite undergoing surgery, he died on August 9 from complications.
Following the death, the Cross River State Police Command, led by Commissioner Rasheed Afegbua, announced plans to conduct an autopsy to establish whether the cause of death was directly from gunshot wounds or from complications after surgery. However, nearly two months later, the victim’s family insists no concrete steps have been taken.
Speaking to reporters in Calabar on Saturday, the bereaved mother accused the government of silence and insensitivity.
“Last time we had a meeting with these people, they said the governor is not around. Our governor travelled, and my people came from the village. When we called again, they said the governor would be back on Saturday, and you know nothing has been done,” she said.
Mrs Mba further revealed that her family had rejected what she described as a cash offer to silence them.
“They wanted me to go and debunk the N5 million stuff, and I told them I can’t. Is there any money worth the death of my son? When they brought that money, we rejected it,” she stated.
She added that she was prepared to release the name of the alleged shooter as well as voice recordings of condolence visits from government officials.
“I have the name of the shooter. I’m even going to release the voice recording of the condolences they came to my house to give. They have not said anything about the N100 million damages the lawyer mentioned. They are silent, and I will sue them,” she declared.
The grieving mother emphasised that her priority was to give her son a dignified burial but insisted the government must take responsibility.
“This is getting to two months since I lost my son. I want my son to be buried. The Cross River State Government is playing with my emotions, with my pains. No one is discussing anything with us again. I will definitely sue them,” she added.
