A 25-year-old University of Jos graduate, Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee, has died after an alleged mob attack over claims that he stole an iPhone 12. The incident in Jos, Plateau State, has sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria. Police have arrested three suspects and launched an investigation into what they describe as a case of jungle justice.
Deadly Assault Over Missing iPhone
According to the Plateau State Police Command, Mbaya was taken unconscious to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) by a group of youths on Sunday, July 26. Medical staff confirmed he was dead on arrival. A former student union leader at the University of Jos told Daily Trust that Mbaya had attended a social gathering and spent the night at a friend's off-campus apartment in the Ring Road area because it was too late to return home. The next morning, an iPhone 12 was reported missing. The apartment's occupants allegedly suspected Mbaya since they believed only those present had access to the room. Instead of reporting the allegation to the police, the suspects attacked him with planks and canes until he lost consciousness. A video of the assault later surfaced online, drawing widespread condemnation.
Three Suspects in Custody
Police said they acted after a Good Samaritan at JUTH reported the incident. The command identified the arrested suspects as Rinji Daniel Fwanji (25), Emmanuel Newyear (30), and Nensemka Fwanji (22). According to the police, Newyear appeared in the viral video allegedly striking Mbaya with a large wooden plank. The suspects admitted they suspected Mbaya of stealing the iPhone but chose not to involve law enforcement. The police statement read: '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 three suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and authorities are working to arrest other individuals linked to the incident. The command warned residents against jungle justice, emphasizing that any person accused of a crime has the right to due process under Nigeria's justice system.
Victim Was Fashion Entrepreneur and Model
Before his death, Mbaya was building a career in fashion and entrepreneurship. Known as Ibee, he worked as a baker and a model. He had recently been unveiled as one of the Top 30 finalists in the Mr & Miss Glam Nigeria pageant. Just two days before news of his death emerged, he shared a final Instagram post: 'A little sunshine, a little silence, a lot of peace.' His social media also showed he was preparing to celebrate his birthday on September 18.
Outrage and Calls for Justice
The killing has triggered reactions across the country. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the incident as heartbreaking and called for a thorough investigation. Many Nigerians criticized jungle justice, arguing that even if someone is suspected of theft, they should be handed over to the police rather than attacked. Police investigations into Mbaya's death are ongoing. Authorities have not confirmed whether the missing iPhone was recovered or that Mbaya was found guilty of theft.
