The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly denounced the mob killing of Ibrahim Mbaye, a student of the University of Jos (UniJos), describing the incident as a disturbing example of jungle justice and calling for the immediate prosecution of everyone involved.
The student body expressed outrage over reports that Mbaye was allegedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing an iPhone, insisting that no accusation should ever result in extrajudicial punishment.
In a statement issued by the National President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, the association described the incident as tragic and unacceptable, stressing that the loss of a young undergraduate under such circumstances represents a serious threat to justice, human rights and the safety of students across Nigeria.
According to NANS, preliminary reports indicated that Mbaye was allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals, publicly humiliated and confined in a room following accusations that he had stolen an iPhone. The association further noted that reports suggested the allegedly missing phone was never recovered from the deceased before his death.
Babatunde maintained that allegations of theft must always be handled through lawful procedures rather than violence, warning that mob actions undermine the nation’s justice system and create an atmosphere where innocent persons can lose their lives without due process.
While condemning the killing, NANS welcomed reports that security agencies had arrested some suspects in connection with the incident. The association said the arrests should mark the beginning of a transparent legal process that ensures every individual linked to the attack is identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The student organisation urged the Plateau State Police Command and other relevant authorities to carry out a comprehensive, impartial and speedy investigation, emphasising that justice must not only be served but must also be seen to be served in order to discourage future acts of mob violence.
NANS further argued that institutions of higher learning should remain safe spaces where students can pursue their education without fear of violence or unlawful attacks. It warned that allowing acts of jungle justice to go unpunished could encourage a dangerous culture of lawlessness within campuses and surrounding communities.
The association extended its condolences to the family of Ibrahim Mbaye, his friends and the University of Jos community, describing the undergraduate’s death as a painful loss to the nation’s student population. It prayed for strength and comfort for those affected while reaffirming its commitment to advocating for justice on behalf of the deceased.
The incident has once again renewed public concern over the persistence of mob justice in Nigeria, despite repeated campaigns by security agencies, civil society organisations and human rights advocates urging citizens to hand criminal suspects over to law enforcement authorities instead of resorting to violence. Legal experts have consistently warned that jungle justice frequently results in the killing of innocent people and erodes public confidence in the criminal justice system.
As investigations continue, stakeholders have called on authorities to ensure accountability for those responsible while intensifying public awareness campaigns on the dangers of mob action. Many observers believe that securing justice in the case will not only provide some measure of closure for the victim’s family but also reinforce the principle that every Nigerian is entitled to a fair hearing, regardless of the allegations against them.
