Police arrest three over mob killing of UNIJOS graduate

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged mob killing of 25-year-old University of Jos graduate and model, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee.

According to the police, Mbaya was allegedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing a missing iPhone.

Police said the victim had attended a social gathering before spending the night at a friend’s residence in the Ring Road area of Jos. The following morning, he was informed that an iPhone had gone missing and, as the only other person who had been in the room, he became the prime suspect.

Although Mbaya initially left the apartment, police said he later returned after his friend contacted him to discuss the missing phone.

On his return, he was allegedly confronted by his friend and several other young men, who accused him of theft and reportedly subjected him to prolonged assault in an attempt to force a confession.

A video circulating on social media allegedly shows one of the suspects repeatedly striking the victim with a wooden plank before he became unconscious.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said officers received a report from the Jos University Teaching Hospital at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 after some youths brought an unconscious man to the facility under suspicious circumstances.

According to the police, doctors on duty confirmed Mbaya, a resident of the Rayfield area of Jos, dead on arrival.

Police said investigations led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel, Fwanji Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji.

The Command added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the attack.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians calling for justice and renewed action against mob violence and jungle justice.