The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged mob killing of 25-year-old University of Jos graduate and model, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee, in an incident believed to have stemmed from allegations that he stole an iPhone 12.
The tragic death of the fast-rising model has sparked widespread outrage across Plateau State and on social media, with family members, friends, students, and members of the entertainment industry calling for justice.
According to reports, Mbaya attended a social event on the University of Jos campus before deciding to spend the night at a friend's residence in the Ring Road area because it was too late to return to his home in Rayfield.
Sources said that the following morning, his friend informed him that an iPhone had gone missing and allegedly accused him of being responsible, claiming they were the only occupants of the room.
Eyewitnesses said Mbaya initially left the apartment but later returned after receiving a phone call from the friend, who requested that he come back to explain the missing device.
On his return, the young model was allegedly confronted by his friend and several other young men, who accused him of stealing the phone before allegedly subjecting him to a prolonged and violent assault in an attempt to force a confession.
The attack, which was reportedly captured on video, lasted for several hours, with the victim allegedly beaten with wooden planks and other objects until he lost consciousness.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Monday, July 27, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Alfred Alabo, said officers received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 from a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), informing them that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.
Police operatives immediately responded and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya of Rayfield, Jos. However, he was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty, while his remains were deposited in the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Alabo said detectives immediately launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji (25), Emmanuel Newyear (30), and Nensemka Fwanji (22).
According to the police, investigations further revealed that Emmanuel Newyear was captured in a viral video allegedly using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased. He was also identified in photographs obtained during the investigation.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted that they believed Mbaya had stolen an iPhone 12 and, instead of reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities, took the law into their own hands by beating him until he became unconscious.
The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jos, where further investigations are ongoing. Police said efforts have also been intensified to apprehend other suspects who fled after the incident.
Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be charged to court.
The Plateau State Police Command condemned the act, describing it as a disturbing case of jungle justice and warning that no individual or group has the legal authority to assault or kill anyone suspected of committing a crime.
The command emphasized that Nigeria's Administration of Criminal Justice System provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal offences, stressing that every suspect is entitled to due process under the law.
Police urged members of the public to report cases of theft and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or relevant security agency rather than resorting to self-help.
The command warned that mob action not only undermines the rule of law but also exposes those involved to criminal prosecution, while encouraging residents to remain law-abiding and continue providing credible information to support effective policing and crime prevention across Plateau State.
