The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the death of Ibrahim Mbaya, a 25-year-old model and University of Jos (UNIJOS) student, who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob after being accused of stealing an iPhone 12.
The incident occurred on July 26 in the Ring Road area of Jos North Local Government Area, according to a statement by police spokesperson Alfred Alabo.
Police said they received a report late Sunday from the Jos University Teaching Hospital that some youths had brought Mbaya in for treatment. He was pronounced dead on arrival by the doctor on duty. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25; Emmanuel Newyear, 30; and Nensemka Fwanji, 22. During questioning, the suspects stated that the victim was suspected of stealing an iPhone 12.
Further investigation showed that Emmanuel Newyear was captured in a viral video using a large wooden plank to assault Mbaya. He has also been identified in photographs obtained by police.
The suspects told investigators that, rather than reporting the alleged theft to law enforcement, they took the law into their own hands, attacked Mbaya, and beat him until he lost consciousness.
The three have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jos, where investigations continue. Police said efforts have intensified to arrest other suspects who fled the scene. Once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be charged to court.
Alabo condemned the act of jungle justice, stressing that no individual or group has the legal right to assault or kill anyone suspected of an offence.
The University of Jos Alumni Association also strongly condemned the killing, describing it as incompatible with the institution’s values. “We condemn this senseless and reprehensible act in the strongest possible terms,” the association said in a social media statement.
“Violence has no place within our university community and stands in direct contradiction to the values of excellence, character, mutual respect, and humanity upon which the University of Jos was founded.”
