The family of Ibrahim Mbaya, the University of Jos graduate allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Jos, Plateau State, has announced that he will be buried today in his hometown in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State.
His younger brother, James Mbaya, disclosed the burial arrangements in an interview with PUNCH Metro, describing the 25-year-old’s death as a devastating loss to the family.
“We are making arrangements for his corpse to be brought home. He will be buried on Thursday,” James said.
He said the tragedy had left their parents heartbroken, noting that Ibrahim was the family’s first child and first son.
“His death has really devastated us, especially our parents. I don’t think they are ever going to recover from the shock because he was the first child and the first male child of the family. We had great expectations for him,” he said.
James described his late brother as a talented model, dancer and entrepreneur whose ambitions included establishing a fashion house and a restaurant.
According to him, those dreams were cut short by the violent incident.
The family has appealed to the police to ensure that everyone involved in the alleged mob killing is prosecuted.
“Everyone involved in his death should get the punishment they deserve. Although this won’t bring him back, it is the best thing that can happen to the family after his tragic loss,” James said.
He described the manner of Ibrahim’s death as “brutal and inhumane,” adding that no one deserved to suffer such treatment.
The Incident
The incident occurred on Sunday at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, Mbaya had attended a social event before spending the night at a friend’s apartment because it was too late to return home.
The following morning, he was allegedly accused of stealing an iPhone after his friend claimed the device had gone missing.
Although he initially left the apartment, he reportedly returned after being asked to come back and explain himself.
Police said he was allegedly confronted by his friend and several other young men, who accused him of the theft. Witnesses alleged that the group assaulted him with sticks and other objects for several hours. All in an attempt to force a confession before he lost consciousness.
A nurse who later examined him reportedly confirmed that he had died.
Police said investigations are continuing, while efforts are underway to apprehend other suspects believed to have fled the scene.
