A Federal High Court in Calabar has awarded ₦100 million over the police killing of Onyekachi Mba, a 22-year-old man who died after allegedly being assaulted and shot by police personnel attached to the Cross River State Government House.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday, 9 July 2026, found that the incident amounted to a gross violation of the deceased’s constitutional rights.
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Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu delivered the ruling in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Victoria Mba, the deceased’s mother, through her counsel, Chief Roland Ndubuka.
The suit, instituted on 10 October 2025, sought redress for the alleged torture, unlawful detention and killing of Mba, citing violations of his rights under Sections 35, 36, 37 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The court held that the assault, torture and fatal shooting of Mba by a police officer attached to the residence of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu on 1 August 2025 were unlawful and constituted a serious breach of his fundamental rights.
Justice Ojukwu described the actions of the officers as “an abuse of power” and “an act of executive recklessness”, ruling that the respondents were liable for the violations suffered by the deceased.
The court consequently awarded ₦100 million in damages against the respondents, directing that the compensation may be paid jointly or severally.
Those named in the suit include the Nigeria Police Force, Assistant Superintendent of Police Victor Edet, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State, the Police Service Commission, and Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Dickson, the Chief Security Officer at the Cross River State Government House.
According to court filings, Mba was allegedly beaten and shot by police personnel attached to the Government House on 1 August 2025.
He later died at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar from injuries sustained during the incident.
Speaking through the legal action, Victoria Mba argued that the torture, inhuman treatment and eventual killing of her son violated his constitutional rights to personal liberty, dignity of the human person and freedom of movement. She urged the court to grant appropriate compensation for the alleged abuses.
The judgment adds to a growing body of decisions in which Nigerian courts have awarded damages in fundamental rights enforcement cases involving allegations of police brutality and unlawful use of force.
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Human rights advocates have consistently called for greater accountability within law enforcement agencies, while the Nigeria Police Force has pledged reforms aimed at improving professionalism and protecting citizens’ rights.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
