In a chilling incident that has sent ripples of outrage through Cross River State, Victoria Mba, the grieving mother of 22-year-old Moses Mba, has firmly refused a ₦5 million condolence package offered by the state government—insisting, “I want justice, not money.”
The Incident
On August 1, 2025, Moses, propelled by what he described as a divine vision, ventured to the former residence of Governor Bassey Otu in Calabar to deliver a message from God . His persistence resulted in a confrontation with security personnel. After being denied entry—despite explaining his intention to preach—Moses was allegedly beaten and shot in the leg, then left bleeding outside the gate for hours . Eventually, Red Cross officials discovered him late in the afternoon and rushed him to the Naval Reference Hospital, Calabar .
While hospitalized for eight agonizing days, Moses was reportedly under constant surveillance by plainclothes security agents rotating around his ward . His treatment costs, partly handled by the Red Cross—about ₦1.3 million—were meticulously documented, and when it came time to pay the mortuary bills, #₦54,000, aides reportedly contributed only ₦50,000 .
Tragedy and the Demand for Truth
Moses succumbed to his injuries and passed away on August 9, 2025 . His family demanded an autopsy to determine whether his demise was solely due to the gunshot wound or also assault-related—but expressed profound mistrust of authorities, saying, “I can’t even watch them touch my son’s body. I just want the truth.” .
Government Response—and Maternal Defiance
On September 4, government representatives visited Victoria’s home with what they termed a condolence visit, offering ₦5 million to the family . But Victoria flatly rejected the gesture:
“Is the value of my son’s life ₦5 million? 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.”
For her, no sum of money can replace a beloved firstborn—her pride, the one siblings emulated.
Ongoing Demands and Official Claims
Victoria continues demanding legal accountability and a transparent investigation. Meanwhile, state officials have offered conflicting narratives: a Cross River commissioner asserted that Moses may have been mentally unstable, claiming video footage shows him throwing stones at a policeman—and emphasized that the incident occurred at the governor’s former—not current—residence .
Despite this, the Cross River State Police have forwarded the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice .
Victoria Mba’s brave refusal of a monetary offer puts a spotlight on the wider issue of state accountability and the sanctity of life. Her unwavering commitment—“They think they can silence me with money… I will not be silenced”—rings as a powerful plea for justice that transcends any material compensation .
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