Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects following the mob killing of Ibrahim Mbaya, a 25-year-old model and University of Jos graduate. The incident occurred on Sunday at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road, Jos.
Mbaya, known professionally as "Ibee," was beaten to death after being accused of stealing a mobile phone. The killing has sparked widespread outrage across the state, with family members, friends, students and entertainment industry figures demanding justice.
According to sources, Mbaya had attended a social event on campus before deciding to stay overnight at a friend's residence in Ring Road because it was too late to travel home to Rayfield. The following morning, his friend told him that an iPhone had gone missing and suggested Mbaya was responsible since they were alone in the room.
Mbaya initially left the apartment but returned after receiving a call from his friend, who asked him to come back and explain himself regarding the missing phone. When he arrived, he was confronted by his friend and several other young men in the compound.
The group accused him of the theft and allegedly attacked him without mercy. Eyewitnesses said the assault lasted several hours, with the victim being beaten with sticks and other objects until he lost consciousness.
A nurse was invited to examine him but reportedly confirmed he had died. An attempt was made to rush him to the Accident and Emergency Unit of Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, before security operatives were called.
Mbaya's death has shocked Plateau's fashion and entertainment sector, where he was viewed as one of the state's most promising young models. Friends and colleagues remembered him as peaceful, hardworking and talented.
Former acting president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Prince Miaphen, condemned the killing as barbaric and unacceptable. He called for a thorough investigation and demanded that security agencies bring all those involved to justice.
A University of Jos student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said no theft allegation justified the brutal treatment Mbaya received. "Nobody deserves to die because of an allegation.
If he was suspected of stealing, he should have been handed over to the police. Justice must be done," the student told reporters.
SP Alfred Alabo, the Plateau State Police Command's public relations officer, confirmed the arrests. He said the command received a report from a Good Samaritan at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 that some youths had brought an unconscious man to Jos University Teaching Hospital under suspicious circumstances.
