Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: L.Imafidon
Students of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) have demanded justice for their colleague, Habibatu Favour Aruwa, a final-year law student who allegedly died after an incident involving her boyfriend, sparking widespread outrage on campus and across social media.
The calls for justice intensified in early July 2026 after reports of Aruwa's death circulated online, prompting fellow students to organise campaigns rejecting narratives they say seek to misrepresent her character. They insisted that the deceased was not involved in prostitution or "hookup" activities, describing such claims as false, harmful and an attempt to shift attention away from the circumstances surrounding her death.
Speaking through statements shared on social media and during campus advocacy efforts, the students described Aruwa as a dedicated law student with a promising future. They urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The students expressed concern that misinformation surrounding the case could undermine the search for justice. They appealed to members of the public to avoid spreading unverified claims about the victim while investigations remain ongoing.
The circumstances leading to Aruwa's death have become the subject of police investigation. Authorities have yet to release a comprehensive official account of the incident, and no court has determined criminal responsibility.
The incident has generated widespread reactions from students, legal practitioners, civil society groups and social media users, many of whom have renewed calls for stronger action against gender-based violence and violence involving intimate partners.
Advocates say the case highlights the importance of allowing law enforcement agencies to carry out professional investigations while protecting the dignity and reputation of victims from speculation and online abuse.
The University of Port Harcourt community has also been urged to remain calm and allow the investigative process to run its course. Student groups have continued to call for transparency from relevant authorities and timely updates on the progress of the investigation.
Police have not announced the outcome of their inquiries, and any allegations against individuals connected with the case remain unproven unless established in court.
The case has renewed conversations in Nigeria about violence against women, victim-blaming and the role of social media in shaping public perception during criminal investigations. Human rights advocates continue to urge the public to rely on verified information and avoid sharing rumours that could prejudice ongoing investigations or cause further distress to the victim's family.
As investigations continue, students say their primary demand remains justice for Habibatu Favour Aruwa and accountability through due legal process, while emphasising that every suspect is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court..
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