By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the alleged torture and killing of 25-year-old University of Jos student, Ibrahim Mbaya, following an accusation that he stole a mobile phone.

The organisation described the incident as “horrifying” and called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of all those found responsible for the death.
According to ActionAid Nigeria, reports that Mbaya was allegedly tied up and assaulted until he became unconscious underscore a disturbing breakdown in respect for the rule of law, human dignity and the right to life.

The organisation stressed that no allegation of theft or any other offence could justify torture, mob violence or the unlawful taking of a human life.

Speaking in Abuja, ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Dr Andrew Mamedu, said, “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 the killing reflected a situation in which public confidence in security and justice institutions had weakened, making some people resort to taking the law into their own hands.

He said, “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 Nigeria also raised concerns about the safety of students living in communities outside university campuses, noting that the incident reportedly occurred at an off-campus residence.

The organisation questioned how a student could allegedly be restrained and tortured for hours without effective intervention from people around him, community security structures, university-linked response mechanisms or law enforcement agencies.

It urged universities to strengthen their duty-of-care mechanisms beyond campus boundaries by establishing effective emergency reporting systems and improving coordination among students, university authorities, landlords, host communities and security agencies.

ActionAid Nigeria acknowledged the arrest of four suspects by the Plateau State Police Command and demanded an investigation that would be thorough, timely and free from interference.

It also called for the prosecution of anyone found to have participated in or enabled the alleged attack.

The organisation further urged authorities to provide Mbaya’s family with regular updates, as well as legal, psychosocial and welfare support as they pursue justice.

It called on the University of Jos, Plateau State Government and security agencies to urgently review protection and emergency-response systems for students living both on and off campus.

Mamedu said justice for Mbaya must go beyond punishing those responsible, insisting that the tragedy should lead to reforms capable of preventing similar incidents.

“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,” he said.

“Government must rebuild public trust by ensuring that security institutions are accessible, responsive, professional and accountable at every level.”

ActionAid Nigeria extended condolences to Mbaya’s family, friends and the University of Jos community, while calling for an end to mob violence across Nigeria.