The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged mob killing of 25-year-old Ibrahim Mbaya, who died after being brutally assaulted over accusations that he stole an iPhone in Jos.
The command said the arrests followed an intensive investigation into the incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over the persistence of jungle justice in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Alfred Alabo said officers received a distress report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 from a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, informing them that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.
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Police operatives immediately responded and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya, a resident of Rayfield, Jos.
“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.
According to the police, detectives launched an investigation that led to the arrest of Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25; Emmanuel Newyear, 30; and Nensemka Fwanji, 22.
The command disclosed that preliminary findings identified Emmanuel Newyear in a viral video allegedly using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased. Investigators also matched him with photographs obtained during the investigation.
Police said the suspects admitted during interrogation that Mbaya had been accused of stealing an iPhone 12. Rather than reporting the allegation to law enforcement authorities, they allegedly attacked and beat him until he became unconscious.
“The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Jos, where discreet investigation is ongoing. Efforts have also been intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” Alabo stated.
The police stressed that no individual or group has the legal authority to punish anyone suspected of committing a crime outside the judicial process and urged residents to report criminal allegations to security agencies rather than resorting to mob action.
The incident has also drawn condemnation from the National Association of Nigerian Students, which described Mbaya’s death as “heartbreaking” and called for a thorough, impartial and speedy investigation to ensure everyone involved is brought to justice.
The case has renewed national concern over the dangers of jungle justice and the need for greater public adherence to the rule of law.
