A 25-year-old University of Jos graduate has lost his life after being brutally assaulted by fellow students who accused him of stealing a mobile phone.
Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” was allegedly beaten to death on Sunday at an off-campus residence behind the City of David area, along Ring Road in Jos. The victim, who was still resolving an outstanding academic matter, had attended a social event on campus before opting to stay overnight at a friend’s residence in Ring Road, as it was too late to return to his home in Rayfield.
Tragedy unfolded the following morning when friends claimed an iPhone had gone missing from the premises. Despite being the only occupants of the room, Mbaya was immediately singled out as the prime suspect and subjected to a brutal beating with planks and canes.
A viral video capturing the horrifying incident shows the victim being assaulted and subjected to various forms of punishment that ultimately led to his death.
Police Apprehend Three Suspects
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three individuals in connection with the killing.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Alabo Alfred, the suspects—Rinji Daniel Fwanji (25), Emmanuel Newyear (30), and Nensemka Fwanji (22)—are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The incident came to light when a Good Samaritan from the Jos University Teaching Hospital reported that an unconscious man had been brought to the facility under suspicious circumstances. Police operatives immediately responded, only to discover that Mbaya had been pronounced dead on arrival.
“The suspects revealed that the victim was suspected of stealing an iPhone 12,” SP Alfred stated. “Rather than reporting the matter to law enforcement agencies, they took the law into their own hands, attacked the deceased, and beat him to a point of unconsciousness.”
Warning Against Jungle Justice
The police command has strongly condemned the incident and issued a stern warning against extrajudicial actions. “Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice System provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal offences,” SP Alfred emphasised. “Every suspect is entitled to due process under the law.”
The victim’s remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary pending preservation and autopsy, as investigations continue.