Abuja Man Regains Freedom After 5 Months in Jail for Challenging Phone Thief

DDM News

A young Nigerian man, Umar, who was detained in February 2025 for confronting the person who allegedly stole his phone, has been released after spending five harrowing months in detention.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the shocking case unfolded in Mabushi, Abuja, where Umar was out for a walk when his phone was forcefully snatched. His attempt to report the crime at a nearby police station was reportedly met with outright refusal by officers on duty.

Days after the theft, Umar unexpectedly sighted the suspected thief in the area and confronted him directly.

The situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation.

Witnesses said the alleged thief called in local thugs to assault Umar before contacting the police himself.

To the dismay of onlookers, responding police officers reportedly arrested Umar on the spot without making any effort to question the assailants or investigate the cause of the incident.

He was taken into custody and held for several days before being charged in court on vague grounds.

The legal proceedings dragged on for months, with prosecutors consistently failing to show up in court.

During this period, Umar remained behind bars, with little attention paid to his deteriorating condition.

In June 2025, a legal team came across his case and decided to intervene. They represented him during the fifth scheduled court hearing on July 2, 2025.

When the prosecution failed to appear once again, the defense lawyers filed a motion to strike out the case due to lack of diligent prosecution.

The court subsequently granted the motion, effectively ending Umar’s prolonged detention and clearing the way for his release.

One of the legal team members told journalists that Umar’s ordeal was symptomatic of systemic dysfunction in Nigeria’s justice system.

“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,” the lawyer remarked.

Reactions have flooded social media, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and empathy over Umar’s treatment.

Twitter user @ChrisUgo18 asked, “What would have been the fate of this man if this intervention did not come? Die in detention for no just offence?”

He praised the lawyers who stepped in, saying they “saved a soul.”

Another user, @pdauda, posted a photo of Umar looking severely emaciated and commented, “Just look how emaciated the victim became during detention.

“Our justice system is bent and doesn’t work for law-abiding citizens.”

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

Also chiming in, @Iam_Damilare07 mocked the legal profession, saying, “And some people are happy they were called to BAR. Better make dem enter BAR go dey drink beer.

Only few lawyers like you know what you are doing.”

Umar’s release has sparked broader debates about the Nigerian legal and policing systems, particularly the dangers of arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions without trial.

Human rights activists have renewed calls for reforms to end what they describe as “abuse of prosecutorial discretion” and “deliberate miscarriage of justice.”

Meanwhile, Umar is said to be receiving medical attention and psychological support to recover from his experience. His legal team is considering suing for wrongful arrest and detention.

As calls for justice grow louder, Umar’s case stands as yet another grim reminder of the need for urgent institutional reform across Nigeria’s law enforcement and judicial sectors.

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