By: Odeh Favour Adiya
Tragedy has struck the city of Jos, Plateau State, following the horrific death of a 25-year-old model and University of Jos graduate, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” who was allegedly tortured and beaten to death by a group of youths over allegations of a stolen iPhone.
The incident reportedly occurred at an off-campus apartment located behind the City of David area, along Ring Road, Jos. Mbaya, who was in the process of resolving an outstanding academic issue at UniJos, had attended a social event and decided to spend the night at his friend’s apartment after it became too late to head back home.
Trouble allegedly started the following morning when his host claimed that his iPhone was missing. The friend allegedly confronted Mbaya, arguing that since they were the only two occupants in the room, he was the prime suspect.
Although Mbaya initially left the apartment, he reportedly returned after being called back to explain himself. Upon his return, he was allegedly set upon by his friend and a group of youths who accused him of the theft.
Witnesses revealed that the suspects allegedly subjected the young model to a brutal, hours-long assault, beating him with wooden planks and other objects in an attempt to force a confession, until he became unconscious.
It was gathered that the attackers locked him up in a room and subsequently called a nurse to examine him. The nurse reportedly declared him dead at the scene. In an attempt to cover up the crime, the suspects allegedly tried to move his body to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Emergency Unit to make it look like a medical emergency, but the police were alerted, leading to their arrest.
Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Command stated that three principal suspects—Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear, and Nensemka Fwanji—have been arrested in connection with the alleged culpable homicide.
Police authorities disclosed that one of the suspects was allegedly captured in a viral video clip striking the deceased with a large wooden plank. Efforts are currently ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing suspects involved in the lynching.
The brutal incident has sparked intense public outrage across social media and local communities, with many Nigerians demanding immediate justice for the young graduate and calling for an urgent end to the recurring menace of jungle justice in the country.
The police command strongly condemned the act of mob violence, warning members of the public that anyone who takes the law into their own hands will face the full weight of the law.
