The Plateau state police command has arrested three suspects in connection with the death of Ibrahim Mbaya, a model, who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob over accusations of stealing an iPhone 12.
The incident occurred on July 26, in the Ring Road area of Jos north LGA, according to a statement issued by Alfred Alabo, the police spokesperson in Plateau.
Police said they received a report late Sunday from the Jos University Teaching Hospital that some youths had brought in the 25-year-old model for treatment.
However, the University of Jos (UNIJOS) student was pronounced dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.
“Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” the statement reads.
The police said preliminary investigations led to the arrest of three individuals: Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25, Emmanuel Newyear, 30, and Nensemka Fwanji, 22.
During questioning, the suspects reportedly told police that the victim was suspected of stealing an iPhone 12.
“Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Emmanuel Newyear, was captured in a viral video using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased victim. He has also been identified in photographs obtained during the investigation,” the statement reads.
“In the course of interviewing the suspects, they revealed that the victim was suspected to have stolen an iPhone 12 and rather than reporting the matter to law enforcement agencies, the suspects took the law into their own hands, attacked the deceased and beat him to a point of unconsciousness.
“The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jos, where discreet investigation is ongoing. Efforts have also been intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly.”
Alabo condemned the act of jungle justice, stressing that no individual or group has the legal authority to assault or kill anyone suspected of committing an offence.
The varsity’s alumni association also condemned the killing, describing it as incompatible with the institution’s values.
“We condemn this senseless and reprehensible act in the strongest possible terms,” the association wrote in a statement shared on social media.
“Violence has no place within our university community and stands in direct contradiction to the values of excellence, character, mutual respect, and humanity upon which the University of Jos was founded,” it reads in part.
Born Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, the model was widely known to friends and fans as ‘Ibee,’ a nickname echoed across his social media profiles.
