ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the alleged torture and killing of a 25-year-old University of Jos student, Ibrahim Mbaya, over the alleged theft of a mobile phone, describing the incident as a grim reflection of the growing breakdown of the rule of law and public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
The organisation called for the immediate prosecution of all those involved in the attack and far-reaching reforms to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, insisting that no allegation of theft should ever result in the loss of human life.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, said the circumstances surrounding Mbaya’s death underscored the dangers of mob justice and the urgent need to strengthen security and emergency response systems.
According to reports cited by the organisation, the student was tied up and brutally assaulted until he became unconscious after being accused of stealing a mobile phone.
“A missing phone must never become a death sentence,” Mamedu declared.
“Mob violence is not justice; it is a violation of the right to life and human dignity. Ibrahim’s killing reflects a system in which public trust has broken down, security institutions are too often absent or slow to respond, and people increasingly believe they can take the law into their own hands.”
ActionAid stressed that every individual accused of any offence is entitled to dignity, due process and a fair hearing, warning that mob violence undermines the nation’s justice system and violates fundamental human rights.
The organisation noted that Mbaya’s death was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend fuelled by weak public confidence in law enforcement and judicial institutions.
It also raised concerns over the safety of students living outside university campuses, questioning how the victim could allegedly have been restrained and tortured for hours without intervention from those nearby, community security structures or law enforcement agencies.
Although the incident reportedly occurred at an off-campus residence, ActionAid argued that universities must not limit their responsibility for student welfare to activities within their campuses.
It urged tertiary institutions to establish effective emergency reporting systems and strengthen collaboration among students, university authorities, landlords, host communities and security agencies to enhance protection for students residing off campus.
While acknowledging the arrest of four suspects by the Plateau State Police Command, the organisation called for a thorough, transparent and timely investigation free from interference, followed by the prosecution of everyone found culpable.
It also demanded regular updates for the victim’s family throughout the judicial process, as well as legal, psychosocial and welfare support to enable them pursue justice.
In addition, ActionAid urged the University of Jos, the Plateau State Government and security agencies to urgently review existing protection and emergency response mechanisms available to students both on and off campus.
Mamedu maintained that justice in the case should go beyond punishing those directly responsible for the killing.
“Justice for Ibrahim must result not only in appropriate consequences for those responsible, but also in reforms that prevent another young Nigerian from being killed over an unproven allegation. Government must rebuild public trust by ensuring that security institutions are accessible, responsive, professional and accountable at every level,” he said.
The organisation extended its condolences to Mbaya’s family, friends and the University of Jos community, pledging solidarity with all those seeking justice while renewing its call for decisive action to end mob violence across the country.
