ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the alleged torture and killing of a 25-year-old University of Jos student, Ibrahim Mbaya, following an accusation that he stole a mobile phone, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights and a reflection of the country’s weakening justice system.
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, the organisation called for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of all those involved in the student’s death, insisting that no allegation of theft should result in mob violence or extrajudicial killing.
According to ActionAid Nigeria, reports indicated that Mbaya was tied up and brutally assaulted until he became unconscious after being accused of stealing a phone.
The organisation’s Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, said the incident underscored the urgent need to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security and justice institutions.
“A missing phone must never become a death sentence. 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,” Mamedu said.
He noted that every accused person is entitled to dignity, due process and a fair hearing, stressing that Mbaya’s death was not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend of mob justice fuelled by a lack of confidence in law enforcement.
ActionAid also expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident, questioning how a student could allegedly be restrained and tortured for hours at an off-campus residence without effective intervention from members of the community, security personnel or emergency response mechanisms.
The organisation argued that universities have a responsibility to protect students beyond the confines of their campuses and called for stronger collaboration between university authorities, landlords, host communities and security agencies to safeguard students living off campus.
.“Universities’ duty of care should not end at the campus gate. Institutions must establish effective emergency reporting systems and stronger coordination among students, university authorities, landlords, host communities and security agencies, particularly in areas where large numbers of students live off campus,” Mamedu stated.
While acknowledging the arrest of four suspects by the Plateau State Police Command, ActionAid urged authorities to ensure a transparent and timely investigation free from interference.
The organisation also called for regular updates to Mbaya’s family, as well as legal, psychosocial and welfare support for them as they seek justice.
It further urged the University of Jos, the Plateau State Government and security agencies to urgently review protection and emergency response systems available to students living both on and off campus.
“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,” Mamedu added.
ActionAid Nigeria extended its condolences to the family of Ibrahim Mbaya, his friends and the University of Jos community, while reaffirming its support for calls for justice and an end to mob violence across the country.