Plateau State authorities have taken three individuals into custody following the fatal mob assault of 25-year-old Ibrahim Mbaya. Known locally as Ibee, the aspiring model was reportedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing a mobile phone. The violent incident occurred on Sunday at a residence located near Ring Road in Jos, causing widespread outrage among his peers and the wider community.
Reports indicate that Mbaya, a recent graduate of the University of Jos, had stayed the night at a friend’s apartment following a campus event. The following morning, his friend alleged that an iPhone was missing and accused Mbaya of the theft. After initially leaving, Mbaya returned to the apartment following a phone call from his friend. Upon his arrival, a group of men confronted him and began a brutal physical assault that lasted for several hours. The attackers used sticks and other objects to beat him until he lost consciousness.
A nurse was eventually brought to the scene, where she confirmed that Mbaya had passed away. Efforts were reportedly made to transport his body to the Jos University Teaching Hospital, where police were subsequently alerted. SP Alfred Alabo, spokesperson for the Plateau State Police, confirmed that the victim was declared dead upon arrival. The suspects identified by police as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear, and Nensemka Fwanji were apprehended shortly thereafter.
Police investigators discovered video evidence showing Emmanuel Newyear striking the victim with a wooden plank. The suspects reportedly confessed that the violence was fueled by theft allegations but acknowledged they had bypassed legal channels. The Plateau State Police Command has strongly denounced the act of jungle justice, emphasizing that no citizen is permitted to inflict harm on suspects. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, and officials are actively searching for other individuals involved in the attack.
