By Stella Odueme
ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the alleged torture and killing of 25-year-old University of Jos student, Ibrahim Mbaya, following accusations that he stole a mobile phone, describing the incident as a serious violation of human rights and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisation said no allegation of theft or any other offence should result in torture or the unlawful taking of a person’s life, stressing that every accused person is entitled to dignity, due process and a fair hearing.
ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, said Mbaya’s death reflects a growing breakdown in public trust in Nigeria’s justice and security 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,” Mamedu said.
He noted that when citizens lose confidence in the ability of security agencies to respond promptly and fairly, they are more likely to resort to taking the law into their own hands, with tragic consequences.
The organisation also expressed concern over the safety of students living off campus, questioning how the student was allegedly restrained and tortured for hours without intervention from members of the community, university-linked emergency structures or law enforcement agencies.
It urged universities to strengthen emergency response systems and improve coordination among students, landlords, host communities and security agencies to enhance the protection of students living outside campus.
ActionAid Nigeria acknowledged the arrest of four suspects by the Plateau State Police Command and called for a thorough, impartial and timely investigation, followed by the prosecution of everyone found to have participated in or facilitated the attack.
The organisation also called for regular updates to Mbaya’s family, as well as legal, psychosocial and welfare support for them throughout the judicial process.
It further urged the University of Jos, the Plateau State Government and relevant security agencies to review existing protection measures and emergency response mechanisms for students living both on and off campus.
According to Mamedu, justice for Ibrahim Mbaya should not end with the prosecution of those responsible but should also lead to reforms that will prevent similar incidents and rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
ActionAid Nigeria extended its condolences to the family of Ibrahim Mbaya, his friends and the University of Jos community, while reiterating its call for an end to mob violence across the country.
