The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal mob killing of 25-year-old model Ibrahim Mbaya in Jos. The victim, a University of Jos graduate and model known popularly as Ibee, was accused of stealing an iPhone and was beaten to death by a group that included individuals known to him. The killing has sparked widespread outrage, with family, friends, students, and members of the entertainment industry demanding justice.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, Mbaya attended a social event on the university campus and later decided to spend the night at a friend's residence in Ring Road, as it was too late to return to his home in Rayfield. The following morning, the friend allegedly informed Mbaya that an iPhone had gone missing and insisted that since they were the only occupants of the room, Mbaya was the prime suspect. Eyewitnesses said Mbaya initially left the apartment but returned after receiving a telephone call from the friend, who requested that he come back to explain himself.
Upon his return, Mbaya was confronted by his friend and several other young men in the compound, who accused him of stealing the phone. The group then descended on him, subjecting him to severe torture and beating in an attempt to force a confession. The assault, which was captured on camera, lasted several hours. During this time, the victim was allegedly beaten with dangerous objects until he became unconscious.
Police Response and Arrests
The spokesperson for the command, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the incident and the arrests in a statement issued on Monday, July 27, 2026. According to the police public relations officer, the arrests followed an investigation into the incident. Alabo said the police received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 from a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), informing officers that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the facility under suspicious circumstances.
Police operatives immediately responded and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya of Rayfield, Jos. Unfortunately, Mbaya was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Detectives opened an investigation, which led to the arrest of three suspects: Rinji Daniel Fwanji, aged 25; Emmanuel Newyear, aged 30; and Nensemka Fwanji, aged 22. 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.
Police Condemn Jungle Justice
In the course of interviewing the suspects, they revealed that the victim was suspected of stealing an iPhone 12. 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) in Jos, where a discreet investigation is ongoing. Efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime.
SP Alabo emphasized that the Plateau State Command strongly condemns the resort to jungle justice. He stated, "The Plateau State Police Command in its ongoing efforts to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law, has arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal killing of a 25 year old man in Jos. The incident, which is believed to have resulted from an act of jungle justice over an allegation of theft, reveals the sad reality of jungle justice and the grave consequences of taking the law into one's own hands." He further urged the public to always report cases of theft or other criminal activity to the nearest police station, warning that resorting to self-help and mob action undermines the rule of law and exposes perpetrators to criminal prosecution.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly. Police urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue to provide credible information to aid crime prevention and effective policing across the state. The killing of the fast-rising model has sparked outrage across Plateau State and social media, with many demanding swift justice for Ibee.
