Police Arrest Three as UNIJOS Student, Model Dies After Mob Beating Over Alleged Phone Theft

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the death of Ibrahim Mbaya, a University of Jos student and model, who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob after being accused of stealing an iPhone 12.

The incident occurred on July 26 in the Ring Road area of Jos North Local Government Area, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, Alfred Alabo.

Police said they received a report late Sunday from the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) that some youths had brought the 25-year-old to the hospital for treatment.

However, doctors confirmed that Mbaya was already dead on arrival.

“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 said.

Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25, Emmanuel Newyear, 30, and Nensemka Fwanji, 22.

According to the police, the suspects claimed Mbaya was accused of stealing an iPhone 12 but admitted that instead of reporting the allegation to security agencies, they attacked him.

Investigators also identified Emmanuel Newyear as the individual seen in a viral video allegedly using a large wooden plank to assault the victim.

“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,” the statement added.

The police said the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other individuals believed to have participated in the attack.

The command condemned jungle justice, stressing that no one has the legal authority to assault or kill a suspect without due process.

Alabo urged residents to report suspected crimes to law enforcement agencies rather than resort to violence.

Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Association condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless act that contradicts the institution’s values.

“We condemn this senseless and reprehensible act in the strongest possible terms,” the association said in a statement shared on social media.

It added that violence has no place within the university community and called for justice for the deceased student.