A Federal High Court in Calabar ruled on July 9 that the Nigeria Police Force must pay N100 million in damages following the death of 22-year-old Onyekachi Mba. Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu presided over the case, which originated from a lawsuit brought by the victim’s mother, Victoria Mba, and her legal representative, Chief Roland Ndubuka.
The litigation, filed in October 2025, argued that the actions taken against the young man violated his fundamental constitutional rights, specifically regarding his liberty, movement, and physical dignity. The court confirmed that the assault and subsequent fatal shooting of Mba by police officers stationed at the residence of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu on August 1, 2025, were illegal.
During the proceedings, Justice Ojukwu characterized the officers’ behavior as an example of executive recklessness and an abuse of authority. Consequently, the court ordered the respondents—including the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, ASP Victor Edet, and SP Emmanuel Dickson—to provide the financial compensation.
Onyekachi Mba passed away at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar due to injuries suffered during the confrontation with security personnel at the Government House.
