False Accusation Shakes Ribadu Hostel: Student Mistakenly Called a Thief

By Yusuf Kamariya (U19MM1158)

A case of mistaken identity at Ribadu Hostel, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, sparked tension on campus yesterday evening after a student was falsely accused of theft.

The incident occurred at Block EE when some residents raised an alarm over missing clothes. As other students gathered, hostel security was alerted and quickly responded. A student seen near the clotheslines was pointed out as a suspect and was escorted away by security personnel before being allowed to explain her actions.

An eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the moment; “We thought it was just another theft case, but it became something else entirely.”

It was later discovered that the accused student had only been helping her roommate retrieve clothes from the line as rain threatened. In her rush, she mistakenly picked up items belonging to other students. Once given a chance to speak, she clarified the situation, and fellow students confirmed her account. “It was a mistake. She’s not a thief,” one student was heard saying, as the truth came to light.

Although she was cleared of wrongdoing, the emotional distress and public embarrassment left a strong impression on both the accused and the hostel community.

This incident points out the growing concerns over frequent thefts in hostels, particularly of clothing and undergarments. Some students admitted that the tension has led many to assume guilt too quickly.

“My roommate’s hijab was stolen minutes after drying it,” said a 200-level resident. “We’re so used to things going missing that we immediately suspect anyone near the lines.”

The event has raised fresh questions about security measures, due process, and protecting the dignity of students. Many believe it’s time to rethink how such disputes are handled.

As one resident put it, “Yes, we want to stop theft. But we also need to stop shaming innocent people without evidence.”

With this incident behind them, Ribadu Hostel residents are now calling for improved awareness, better security systems, and a more careful approach to resolving theft related issues on campus.