The tragic killing of a graduating student of the University of Jos (UniJos), allegedly over the theft of a mobile phone, has reignited concerns over the growing trend of jungle justice in Nigeria, with students, legal experts and civil society groups demanding swift prosecution of those responsible.
The victim, 25-year-old Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee, was a Political Science student of the University of Jos. He reportedly died after being brutally assaulted by fellow students at an off-campus residence in the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to accounts from students and family members, Mbaya had attended a social gathering on campus before spending the night at a friend’s apartment because it was too late to return to his residence in Rayfield.
The following morning, an iPhone was discovered missing from the apartment. Although Mbaya had already returned home, he reportedly received a phone call informing him of the missing device and immediately returned to the apartment to clear his name.
However, instead of allowing law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter, some occupants of the apartment allegedly accused him of stealing the phone and subjected him to a brutal beating.
A viral video circulating on social media allegedly shows the victim being repeatedly struck with wooden planks and canes before collapsing. He was later rushed to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where doctors confirmed him dead.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage across Nigeria, with many describing the killing as another disturbing example of mob justice replacing the rule of law.
A former Students’ Union leader, Prince Miaphen, said Mbaya voluntarily returned to the apartment after learning about the missing phone because he wanted to clear his name.
According to him, the deceased became the prime suspect simply because he had spent the night in the apartment.
He explained that the situation quickly escalated into a violent assault that ultimately claimed the student’s life.
Family members described the deceased as a peaceful, hardworking and responsible young man with no known history of theft or violence.
His younger sister, Pilasar Zara, called on security agencies to ensure everyone involved in the killing is prosecuted.
“They took the law into their own hands. We want justice for my brother, and we hope this serves as a deterrent to others,” she said.
She added that throughout his life, her brother was known for respecting others, avoiding conflicts and supporting his family whenever possible.
The University of Jos Alumni Association also condemned the incident, urging security agencies to carry out a transparent, thorough and impartial investigation.
In a statement signed by its president, Gad Peter Shamaki, the association stressed that everyone found culpable must face the full weight of the law.
Several classmates also paid tribute to Mbaya, describing him as a friendly and sociable individual who actively participated in campus activities.
One of his classmates, Dominic Zang, recalled that the deceased had contested for the position of Director of Socials in the Department of Political Science and was widely respected among students.
Another classmate, Jakdet Dalladi Waiga, said there had never been any record linking Mbaya to theft or criminal behaviour during his years at the university.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the killing.
Police spokesperson, SP Alabo Alfred, identified the suspects as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji.
According to the police, investigations revealed that Emmanuel Newyear was captured in the viral video allegedly using a large wooden plank to assault the victim.
The command stated that preliminary investigations indicated the suspects accused Mbaya of stealing an iPhone 12 but failed to report the allegation to the police before allegedly taking the law into their own hands.
Police further warned members of the public against jungle justice, emphasizing that every suspect is entitled to due process under Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The killing adds to a growing list of mob violence incidents recorded across Nigeria in recent months.
In June 2026, Ummulkhairi Usman Aliyu, an Islamiyya teacher and mother of four, was lynched and burnt by a mob in Kaduna State after being falsely accused of child theft.
Weeks later, two travelers were killed in another mob attack in Kaduna over allegations of motorcycle theft.
Similar incidents have also been reported in Kano, Cross River, Plateau and Edo states, where victims were later found to have been falsely accused.
Security analysts say the increasing rate of jungle justice reflects declining public confidence in the criminal justice system.
According to Kano-based security analyst Auwal Bala Durumin Iya, many Nigerians resort to mob action because they believe suspects are rarely prosecuted or adequately punished after arrest.
He argued that weak investigations, delayed prosecutions and inadequate public understanding of legal procedures continue to fuel unlawful reprisals.
Behavioural psychologist Dr. Idris Salisu Rogo of Bayero University, Kano, attributed the trend to growing frustration, economic hardship and loss of confidence in state institutions.
He warned that when citizens lose faith in the courts, they become more likely to administer justice themselves, often with fatal consequences.
Legal practitioners also insist that mob justice remains a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law.
Lawyer Umar Usman Danbaito noted that the Administration of Criminal Justice Law requires anyone apprehending a suspect to hand the person over to the police rather than inflict punishment.
He added that anyone found guilty of participating in the unlawful killing of another person could face prosecution for culpable homicide, an offence punishable by death under the Penal Code.
As investigations continue, many Nigerians are urging authorities to ensure justice for Ibrahim Mbaya while intensifying nationwide campaigns against jungle justice.
The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers of trial by mob and reinforced calls for stronger public awareness, faster criminal prosecutions and greater respect for the rule of law to prevent similar incidents in the future.
