Mother Rejects N5m After Son was Shot at Governor’s Residence, Died in Hospital
- Victoria Mba, mother of slain 22-year-old Moses Mba, has rejected a N5m offer from the Cross River State Government, insisting that justice, not money, is what her family seeks
- Moses was allegedly beaten and shot by policemen attached to Governor Bassey Otu’s residence in Calabar, sparking outrage and calls for accountability
- While the government claims the payment was a condolence gesture, the bereaved family demands arrests and a transparent investigation
Victoria Mba, the mother of 22-year-old Moses Mba, has rejected a N5m offer reportedly made by representatives of the Cross River State Government following the death of her son, who was allegedly beaten and shot by policemen attached to the residence of Governor Bassey Otu in Calabar.
Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, Mba stated that the money was presented during a visit to her home on Thursday, which officials described as a condolence gesture.
Source: Twitter
She, however, dismissed the offer, insisting that no financial compensation could equate to the value of her son’s life.
“They brought N5m. We rejected it. Is the value of my son’s life N5m? They said it was a condolence visit, but I don’t know where condolence is done with money in that way. I want justice, not money,” she said.
Moses Mba shot after approaching governor’s residence
Moses, the first son of the family, was reportedly shot on 1 August after approaching the governor’s residence, allegedly to preach to Governor Otu. According to his mother, he was accosted by security personnel who beat him and shot him in the leg.
“Is it a crime if somebody goes to a gate? They could have sent him away or kept him somewhere until they reached his parents. Instead, they beat him and shot him in the leg. That’s how they ended my son’s life,” she added.
Sources told Sunday PUNCH that Moses was hospitalised for eight days before his death, during which plainclothes security operatives were stationed in his ward.
Family demands autopsy and arrests
Victoria Mba revealed that her family had requested an autopsy to determine whether Moses died solely from gunshot wounds or from the alleged assault. She expressed distrust in the process, citing concerns over the impartiality of the medical personnel involved.
“The Assistant Commissioner of Police told me we should wait for an autopsy. I said fine, but I don’t trust their doctors. I can’t even watch them touch my son’s body. I just want the truth,” she said.
She further condemned what she described as attempts to silence her with money and called for the arrest of all security personnel involved in her son’s death.
“They think we are stupid. They think they can silence me with money. My son was my first child, my pride, the one his siblings looked up to. He called me ‘mother’ first. They have taken him away and tried to cover it up. I will not be silenced,” she said.
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“I have lost my investment, my identity. But I want his death to mean something. If they think N5m will buy our silence, they don’t know me. I want justice for Moses,” she added.
Government response: Shooting condemned, investigation ongoing
In response to the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otu, Linus Obogo, stated that the governor had condemned the shooting and directed the Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter.
“The governor directed the Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter. As far as we know, the police officer involved is being held. This is a purely police matter, and they are handling it,” he said.
Obogo also clarified that the N5m offered during the condolence visit was not intended as a bribe but as support for burial arrangements.
“When we paid the condolence visit, we felt it was only proper to support the bereaved family in terms of burial arrangements. It was not for any other reason. We could not have visited and left them empty-handed,” he explained.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that the matter was under investigation. Police Public Relations Officer, Igri Ewa, said the case was being handled by the appropriate authorities.
Source: Facebook
Man shot dead inside church
Legit.ng earlier reported that a 45-year-old man, Udeme Uko, in Ukanafun local government area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom state, has been allegedly shot dead.
As reported by Channels Television, Uko was found dead while sleeping with his family in a church in the area.
Source: Legit.ng
