The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the alleged mob killing of a University of Jos graduate, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” who was accused of stealing a mobile phone.
The 25-year-old model reportedly died after he was assaulted at an off-campus residence along Ring Road in Jos. The incident has sparked outrage, with students, family members and entertainers demanding justice.
According to reports, Mbaya attended a social event before spending the night at a friend’s apartment because it was too late to return home.
The following morning, his friend allegedly informed him that an iPhone was missing and asked him to return. Witnesses said Mbaya was confronted by several young men, who accused him of taking the phone.
He was allegedly beaten for several hours in an attempt to force a confession. The assault reportedly continued until he became unconscious.
A nurse later examined him and confirmed that he had died. Attempts were allegedly made to move him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital before security operatives were alerted.
Police spokesperson SP Alfred Alabo said officers received a report from a Good Samaritan after some youths brought an unconscious man to the hospital. Doctors confirmed Mbaya dead on arrival.The police said the victim’s body had been deposited in the mortuary for an autopsy while investigations continued.
Three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji have been arrested.
Post-Arrest Findings
According to the police, preliminary investigations showed that one of the suspects appeared in a viral video allegedly striking the deceased with a wooden plank. The suspects reportedly admitted that Mbaya was accused of stealing a phone. However, they assaulted him instead of reporting the matter to the police.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, while efforts are ongoing to arrest others who fled.
The command condemned jungle justice and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands. Further stressing that criminal allegations should always be reported to law enforcement authorities.
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