Cross River gov’s aides accused in youth’s death, family cries foul

A Cross River woman, Victoria Mba, has accused security operatives attached to the residence of Governor Bassey Otu of killing her 21-year-old son, Moses Mba, after he attempted to deliver what he described as a “message from God” to the governor.

Speaking on Saturday, Mba alleged that her son was beaten and shot on August 1, 2025, in front of the governor’s residence in Calabar. She said Moses later died from his injuries at the Naval Reference Hospital, despite efforts by the Red Cross Society to save his life.

“We (my husband and I) were away in Abia when the incident occurred. When we arrived at the hospital, our son told us he only requested to see the governor because he had a message from God,” the grieving mother recounted.

“My son had always loved God’s work since age 10 and often spoke of visions. We only pleaded with him to complete his education before going fully into God’s work.”

According to her, security operatives attached to the governor’s office allegedly monitored the hospital throughout Moses’ admission.

She claimed to be an aide to the governor’s chief of staff, identified as Emmanuel Dickson, was in contact with the family, requested treatment receipts, and later contributed N50,000 to cover mortuary expenses after her son’s death on August 9.

READ ALSO: Aondoakaa declares Akwa Ibom–Cross River oil dispute closed, warns against reopening

“They are now threatening us, saying there is nothing we can do even if we cry to high heaven, since the governor is involved,” Mba alleged. The family also claims they have been prevented from retrieving the deceased’s body for burial.

Reacting to the allegations, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, denied that the incident occurred at the governor’s official residence, clarifying that it was his “former house.”

He also alleged that the deceased had mental health challenges and threw stones at a police officer guarding the premises.

“Firstly, the house is not where the governor presently resides, and secondly, only one security officer was at the premises when the boy visited. There is video evidence showing the boy throwing large stones at the policeman,” Ekpang said.

The commissioner, however, condemned the violence that led to the young man’s death. “

He was not mentally okay and, at a point, even apologised for throwing the stones. In spite of this, we strongly condemn the beating and shooting of the boy. It is not something anyone should be happy about, no matter the circumstances.”

The Cross River State Commissioner of Police confirmed that the case has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice, raising hopes that the incident will be subjected to further legal scrutiny.

The case has already stirred public concern in Calabar, with rights advocates calling for a transparent investigation into the conduct of the governor’s security operatives and justice for the victim’s family.