Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the alleged mob killing of 25-year-old Jos-based model Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” who was reportedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing a mobile phone.
The incident happened on Sunday at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road, Jos. It has triggered outrage across Plateau State, with family members, friends, students and entertainment industry figures demanding justice.
Vanguard gathered that Mbaya, a University of Jos graduate still processing an outstanding academic issue, attended a social event on campus before staying overnight at a friend’s Ring Road residence because it was too late to return to his Rayfield home.
Sources said his friend told him the next morning that an iPhone was missing and accused him of being the prime suspect because they were the only people in the room.
Eyewitnesses said Mbaya initially left but returned after his friend called and asked him to come back and explain himself. On arrival, he was allegedly confronted by the friend and other young men, who accused him of stealing the phone.
Witnesses alleged that the group beat and tortured him for hours with sticks and other objects until he became unconscious. A nurse was later invited and reportedly confirmed his death. Sources also alleged that an attempt was made to take him to the Accident and Emergency Unit of JUTH before security operatives were alerted.
Mbaya’s death has shocked Plateau’s fashion and entertainment community. Friends described him as peaceful, hardworking and talented.
Former Acting President of NANS, Prince Miaphen, condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation.
A University of Jos student said, “Nobody deserves to die because of an allegation. If he was suspected of stealing, he should have been handed over to the police. Justice must be done,”
Police spokesman SP Alfred Alabo said a Good Samaritan reported the case at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26. Mbaya was taken to JUTH but was confirmed dead on arrival.
His remains were deposited in the mortuary for autopsy. Police arrested Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji.
Alabo said preliminary investigations linked Emmanuel Newyear to a viral video allegedly showing him assaulting Mbaya with a large wooden plank. The suspects allegedly admitted accusing Mbaya of theft and beating him instead of reporting the matter.
They were transferred to SCID, Jos. Police are pursuing other suspects and said those arrested will face court after investigations.
The command condemned jungle justice and urged the public to report suspected crimes to security agencies.
