Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the death of 25-year-old model Ibrahim Mbaya, who was beaten by a mob after being accused of stealing a mobile phone.
The incident occurred on Sunday at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos. Mbaya, a graduate of the University of Jos known as "Ibee," had attended a social event on campus and stayed overnight at a friend's residence in the area.
According to police, Mbaya was accused of stealing an iPhone the following morning. He was confronted by his friend and several other young men, who beat him with sticks and other objects for several hours until he lost consciousness. A nurse later confirmed his death.
Plateau State Police Command spokesman SP Alfred Alabo said officers received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 that an unconscious man had been brought to Jos University Teaching Hospital. The victim was identified as Ibrahim Mbaya and was confirmed dead on arrival. Detectives arrested Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji. One suspect was identified in a video allegedly assaulting the deceased.
The police condemned the act of jungle justice and stated that the suspects would be charged in court after investigations. Mbaya's remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.