Press Statement - A Missing Phone Must Never Become a Death Sentence: ActionAid Nigeria Demands Justice for Ibrahim Mbaya
ActionAid Nigeria strongly condemns the alleged torture and killing of 25-year-old University of Jos student, Ibrahim Mbaya, following an accusation that he stole a mobile phone.
Reports that Ibrahim was tied up and assaulted until he became unconscious are horrifying. No allegation of theft, or any other offence, justifies torture or the unlawful taking of a human life. Every accused person is entitled to dignity, due process and a fair hearing.
Ibrahim’s death is not an isolated tragedy. It reflects a wider breakdown in public trust and the rule of law. When people lose confidence in the ability of security and justice institutions to respond promptly, fairly and effectively, accusations can give way to mob violence, with devastating consequences for the right to life, human dignity and due process.
Speaking in Abuja, ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr Andrew Mamedu, stated:
“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.”
The circumstances surrounding this killing also raise serious questions about student protection and security within and around university communities. Although the incident reportedly occurred at an off-campus residence, how could a student allegedly be restrained and tortured for hours without effective intervention by those present, community security structures, university-linked response mechanisms or law enforcement?
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.
ActionAid Nigeria acknowledges the arrest of four suspects by the Plateau State Police Command and calls for:
• A thorough and timely investigation, without interference, followed by the prosecution of everyone found to have participated in or enabled the attack.
• Regular updates to Ibrahim’s family, alongside legal, psychosocial and welfare support as they pursue justice.
• An urgent review by the University of Jos, the Plateau State Government and security agencies of the protection and emergency-response systems available to students living both on and off campus.
Dr Mamedu added:
“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.”
ActionAid Nigeria extends its condolences to Ibrahim Mbaya’s family, friends and the University of Jos community. We stand with everyone demanding timely justice and an end to mob violence in Nigeria.
Signed:
Dr Andrew Mamedu
Country Director
ActionAid Nigeria
EDITOR’S NOTE
ActionAid Nigeria is a social justice non-governmental organisation working to eradicate poverty and all forms of injustice in Nigeria. It is an affiliate of the ActionAid International Federation, working in solidarity with people living in poverty and exclusion to advance social justice, gender equality and the right of every person to live with dignity and freedom from oppression.