The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the alleged mob killing of a 25-year-old University of Jos graduate and aspiring model, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” following an accusation that he stole an iPhone 12.
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The suspects, identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25; Emmanuel Newyear, 30; and Nensemka Fwanji, 22, have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Jos for further investigation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the probe.
Mbaya reportedly died after being repeatedly assaulted with sticks, wooden planks and other objects at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos, Plateau State, on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The deceased, who was based in Jos and was said to be resolving an outstanding academic matter after graduating from the University of Jos, had reportedly attended a social gathering before deciding to spend the night at a friend’s apartment because it was too late to return home.
The following morning, his host allegedly discovered that an iPhone 12 was missing and accused Mbaya of taking it, claiming that they were the only occupants of the room during the night.
Mbaya reportedly denied the accusation and initially left the apartment. He was later persuaded to return and explain himself, believing that the disagreement could be resolved peacefully.
However, witnesses alleged that when he returned, he was confronted by his friend and several other youths who accused him of stealing the phone before subjecting him to a prolonged assault.
The attackers allegedly beat Mbaya for several hours in an attempt to force him to confess to the theft, continuing until he collapsed and became unconscious.
One of the suspects was allegedly captured in a viral video repeatedly striking Mbaya with a large wooden plank while other persons watched.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media, triggered public outrage and renewed calls for an end to mob violence and jungle justice in Nigeria.
The attackers reportedly sought medical assistance after Mbaya became unresponsive. An initial examination was said to have indicated that he had died from the injuries sustained during the assault.
Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said the command received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 from a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
According to him, the caller informed the police that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.
Police operatives immediately responded and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya of Rayfield, Jos.
“Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” the police said.
Detectives subsequently commenced an investigation, which led to the arrest of Fwanji, Newyear and Nensemka.
The command said its preliminary findings showed that Newyear was allegedly captured in the viral video using a large wooden plank to assault Mbaya. He was also said to have been identified in photographs obtained during the investigation.
Police said the suspects told investigators that Mbaya had been accused of stealing an iPhone 12, but rather than report the allegation to law enforcement authorities, they allegedly attacked him until he lost consciousness.
“The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Jos, where discreet investigation is ongoing. Efforts have also been intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime,” Alabo said.
“Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly.”
The police spokesperson condemned the killing and stressed that no individual or group had the legal authority to assault or kill a person accused of committing an offence.
“The Administration of Criminal Justice System provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal offences, and every suspect is entitled to due process under the law,” he said.
Alabo urged members of the public to report suspected theft and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or recognised security agency rather than resorting to mob action.
He warned that jungle justice undermined the rule of law and exposed those involved to criminal prosecution.
The National Association of Nigerian Students also condemned Mbaya’s killing, describing his death as heartbreaking and demanding a thorough investigation to ensure that everyone involved was brought to justice.
Former Acting President of NANS, Prince Miaphen, described the incident as barbaric, cruel and completely unacceptable.
He said the killing demonstrated the urgent need to end mob violence and strengthen public respect for due process and the rule of law.
Friends and associates described Mbaya as a peaceful, hardworking and talented young man who was steadily building a reputation in Plateau State’s fashion and entertainment industry.
His family and supporters have demanded justice, while police appealed to members of the public with information about the other suspects who fled the scene to assist the ongoing investigation.
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