The Save Public Education Campaign (SPEC) has called for a full investigation into the alleged killing of a student of the University of Jos, Plateau State, Mr. Ibrahim Ibee Mbaya, after he was reportedly attacked by a mob over an accusation of mobile phone theft.
The organisation described the incident as a serious violation of the sanctity of human life and condemned the alleged resort to jungle justice, insisting that no individual should be deprived of life based solely on an accusation or suspicion.
SPEC’s Northern Nigeria Coordinator, Comrade Iortyom Ushahemba Moses, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday while expressing concern over what the group described as the disturbing rise of mob violence and extrajudicial killings in parts of the country.
According to the organisation, the incident occurred on Monday in the Ring Road students’ area of Jos, where Mbaya was allegedly subjected to a violent attack by a mob believed to include some of his colleagues and fellow students.
The group alleged that the attack was triggered by claims that the student had stolen a mobile phone.
However, rather than allowing the matter to be reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation, SPEC said the situation allegedly escalated into mob action, ultimately resulting in the student’s death.
The organisation stressed that allegations of theft or any other criminal offence must be handled within the framework of the law.
It noted that the responsibility for determining whether an accused person is guilty or innocent rests with a court of competent jurisdiction and not with individuals or groups acting outside the law.
SPEC warned that allowing people to take the law into their own hands creates a dangerous environment where accusations can quickly turn into violence, sometimes with fatal consequences.
It said the practice also places innocent people at risk, particularly in situations where allegations are made without sufficient evidence or proper investigation.
The group further expressed concern about the increasing cases of citizens resorting to vigilantism instead of contacting security agencies when confronted with suspected criminal activity.
According to SPEC, the continued acceptance of mob justice could weaken confidence in formal institutions responsible for maintaining law and order.
It argued that when citizens begin to believe they can punish alleged offenders without recourse to the police or the courts, the rule of law is undermined and the broader society becomes less secure.
The organisation therefore urged Nigerians to resist the temptation to take matters into their own hands, regardless of the nature of the allegations involved.
It also criticised the growing practice of bystanders recording violent incidents on their mobile phones while failing to take steps that could potentially prevent further harm or bring the situation under control.
SPEC acknowledged that video footage recorded at the scene of a crime can sometimes provide valuable evidence and assist investigators in establishing what happened.
However, it maintained that recording a violent incident should not become a substitute for seeking immediate assistance or alerting the appropriate security authorities.
The organisation said members of the public have a civic responsibility to seek help whenever it is reasonably possible to do so, particularly when a person’s life is at immediate risk.
Against this backdrop, SPEC called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to launch a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mbaya’s death.
It urged the authorities to establish the events that led to the alleged attack, identify everyone who participated in the violence and determine whether any individuals encouraged, supported or facilitated the incident.
The group also called for appropriate legal action against anyone found to have played a direct or indirect role in the student’s death.
“Every individual directly involved in the attack, those who aided or encouraged the violence, and all persons whose negligent actions or deliberate omissions contributed to the tragic death of Mr. Ibrahim Ibee Mbaya must be identified, arrested, prosecuted, and brought to justice in accordance with the law,” SPEC said.
The organisation added that justice in the matter should extend beyond holding the alleged perpetrators accountable. It said a transparent and credible investigation would also reassure the public that human life remains protected under the law.
“Justice must not only be done for the late Mr. Ibrahim Ibee Mbaya and his grieving family but must also be seen to be done on behalf of the Nigerian public,” the group added.
SPEC argued that bringing those responsible before the courts would serve two important purposes: ensuring accountability for the alleged crime and discouraging others from resorting to similar acts of violence in the future.
It maintained that a strong response from law enforcement authorities would send a clear message that mob justice cannot be tolerated in a democratic society governed by laws and established legal procedures.
The organisation further appealed to educational institutions and communities to promote peaceful conflict resolution and encourage students and residents to report suspected criminal activities to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to violence.
It said allegations of theft and other offences should be properly investigated, while accused persons should be given the opportunity to defend themselves through due process.
As the call for investigation continues, SPEC extended its condolences to Mbaya’s family, friends, colleagues and other loved ones who are mourning his death.
The group expressed solidarity with those seeking justice for the deceased and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding his death are thoroughly investigated.
SPEC concluded by appealing to Nigerians to reject jungle justice and embrace lawful means of resolving disputes and addressing allegations of wrongdoing.
It stressed that protecting human life, respecting due process and upholding the rule of law are collective responsibilities, warning that the continued use of mob action as a means of punishment could have devastating consequences for individuals, families and society at large.