Fourth suspect arrested in connection with UNIJOS student death
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a fourth suspect in the alleged torture and killing of 25-year-old University of Jos student Ibrahim Mbaya. The suspect, identified as Tisloh Joshua, was taken into custody by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) following what authorities described as sustained intelligence gathering.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, noting that investigations are ongoing. “The suspect is currently in police custody while the investigation is ongoing. Efforts have also been intensified to apprehend other suspects who are currently at large,” Alabo said.
Previous arrests and details of the attack
Three suspects — Rinji Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear, and Nensemka Fwanji — were earlier arrested after Mbaya allegedly died from injuries sustained during hours of torture by fellow students. The victim was accused of stealing an iPhone 12. The incident occurred on July 26 at an off-campus apartment behind City of David in the Ring Road area of Jos North Local Government Area.
Police received a report at approximately 11:20 p.m. after youths brought the unconscious victim to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where doctors confirmed him dead on arrival. One of the suspects, Emmanuel Newyear, was captured in a viral video allegedly assaulting the deceased with a large wooden plank. The suspects admitted to attacking Mbaya over the theft allegation instead of reporting the matter to law enforcement.
Outrage and calls for justice
The killing sparked widespread outrage across the University of Jos community after videos showing Mbaya tied up and subjected to prolonged torture circulated on social media. The Plateau State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all connected individuals face justice. “The Plateau State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring that every individual connected with this unfortunate incident is identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
Police also condemned the act of jungle justice and urged the public to report crimes to security agencies rather than taking the law into their own hands. The University of Jos Alumni Association has called for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to prosecute all responsible parties.
Growing security concerns in Jos
The arrest comes amid rising security worries in and around the University of Jos. Recently, the beheaded body of a middle-aged farmer was discovered on farmland within the university environment, further heightening fears among students and residents. The police have assured Mbaya’s family that justice will be pursued relentlessly.
