Omanghana
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested four people in connection with the death of 25-year-old University of Jos graduate Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee.”
Mbaya, a model and baker, allegedly died after being assaulted by a group of people who accused him of stealing an iPhone 12 at an off-campus apartment in Jos.
The incident occurred on Sunday, July 26, 2026, and has generated nationwide outrage over mob violence and extrajudicial punishment in Nigeria.
According to accounts from students and people familiar with the incident, Mbaya attended a social event before deciding to spend the night at an apartment near the City of David area along Ring Road. He reportedly remained there because it was too late to return to his home in Rayfield.
The following morning, Mbaya was accused of taking a missing mobile phone. He reportedly denied the allegation.
Rather than report the matter to the police, a group of people allegedly restrained and subjected him to a prolonged assault in an attempt to force a confession.
A video circulated online appears to show Mbaya tied up and being beaten. Police said one suspect was allegedly captured striking him with a large wooden plank.
Mbaya eventually became unconscious and was taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Medical personnel pronounced him dead on arrival.
Police said they received information from a member of the public that several young people had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.
Detectives initially arrested three suspects before detaining a fourth person as the investigation progressed.
The suspects in custody have been identified as Tisloh Joshua, Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji. They have not been convicted and remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said investigators believe six people were directly involved in the incident. Efforts are continuing to locate the remaining two suspects.
The four detainees have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Jos for further questioning and preparation of the case for prosecution.
Police have not publicly confirmed reports that the missing phone was later found in another person’s possession. Regardless of the outcome of the theft allegation, authorities stressed that no individual or group has the legal right to detain, torture or kill a person accused of an offence.
Some witnesses alleged that a nurse was called to examine Mbaya after the assault and that an attempt was later made to present his death as a medical emergency. These claims form part of the continuing investigation and have not been established in court.
Mbaya’s death has deeply affected the University of Jos community and the local entertainment industry. Friends described him as an ambitious young creative building careers in modelling, baking and fashion.
Shortly before his death, he had been selected among the top 30 finalists in the Mr and Miss Glam Nigeria pageant.
The University of Jos Alumni Association condemned the killing and called for a transparent and impartial investigation. The association said no accusation or disagreement could justify taking another person’s life.
Amnesty International Nigeria also demanded justice for Mbaya and urged authorities to take decisive action against mob violence.
The rights organization stressed that no one should be tortured or killed on the basis of an unproven allegation and called on the Nigerian government to uphold due process and protect people accused of crimes.
The Plateau State Police Command has appealed to members of the public to report suspected offences to recognized security agencies rather than resorting to violence.
Authorities said the suspects would be brought before a court after the investigation is completed.
Source: Omanghana
