Abuja man freed after 5 months in jail for confronting thief who stole his phone

Mr Ejump

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Abuja man freed after 5 months in jail for confronting thief who stole his phone

A Nigerian man arrested in February 2025 for confronting the person who snatched his phone has regained his freedom after five months in detention.

The man, identified as Umar, was taking a walk in Mabushi, Abuja, when his phone was forcefully grabbed. He tried to report the incident at a nearby police station but was denied entry.

Days later, he spotted the suspected thief and confronted him. A scuffle followed, during which the alleged thief called thugs to beat Umar and then invited the police. Officers arrived, arrested Umar without investigation, and ignored the attackers.

He was detained for several days before being charged to court. The case dragged as the prosecution repeatedly failed to appear in court.

In June, a legal team found Umar ahead of the fifth hearing. On July 2, 2025, with the prosecution absent again, the team applied to strike out the case for lack of diligent prosecution. The court granted the request.

One of the lawyers said: “Umar’s case exposes yet another recurring flaw in the Nigerian justice system where vulnerable Nigerians are denied access to the very system meant to protect them. That such a case even made it to court without due investigation is troubling.”

See some reactions below:

@ChrisUgo18: “What would have been the fate of this man if this intervention did not come? Die I detention for no just offence ? Yet we say Nigeria has a functional judicial system for her citizens. Well done to you and your team for saving a soul.”

@pdauda: “Just look how emaciated the victim became during detention. Our justice system is bent and doesn’t work for law abiding citizens.”

@chijiany: “What is the name of the prosecuting officer? Name shaming these heartless officials is one of the ways we can promote justice.”

@Iam_Damilare07: “And some people are happy they were call to BAR make em better enter BAR go dey drink beer 🍺 cos they know how bad the country is only few lawyers like you know what you are doing.”

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