Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Mob Killing of UniJos Graduate, Model in Plateau
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged mob killing of Ibrahim Mbaya, a 25-year-old graduate of the University of Jos (UniJos) and aspiring model, whose death has sparked widespread outrage across the country.
Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee, reportedly died after he was accused of stealing an iPhone 12 in Jos, Plateau State.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Command, SP Alfred Alabo, said the arrests followed a swift investigation launched after the victim was brought unconscious to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
According to the police, officers received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26, 2026, from the hospital that some youths had brought an unconscious man under suspicious circumstances.
Operatives immediately responded and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya, a resident of Rayfield, Jos. However, medical personnel on duty confirmed him dead on arrival.
The police said preliminary investigations led to the arrest of Rinji Daniel, Fwanji Emmanuel Newyear, and Nensemka Fwanji in connection with the incident.
According to the command, one of the suspects, Emmanuel, was allegedly captured in a viral video assaulting the deceased with a large wooden plank during the attack.
Investigators said the incident was reportedly triggered after an iPhone 12 was declared missing following a social gathering.
Reports indicate that Mbaya had attended a social event before spending the night at a friend’s residence in the Ring Road area of Jos. The following morning, he was informed that a mobile phone had gone missing and was asked to return to explain himself.
On his return, he was allegedly confronted by a group of youths who accused him of stealing the device before allegedly assaulting him.
Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other individuals who may have participated in the attack.
Before his death, Mbaya was widely known in Jos’ fashion and creative circles as an aspiring model, entrepreneur and baker.
He had recently been unveiled as one of the Top 30 finalists in the Mr & Miss Glam Nigeria pageant, a youth-focused competition that promotes fashion, leadership, culture and career development. Organisers had shared a video of him completing one of the pageant’s runway tasks just days before news of his death emerged.
The Plateau State Police Command assured the public that all those found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law, while urging residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead report suspected criminal activities to security agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.
Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Mob Killing of UniJos Graduate, Model in Plateau