UNIJOS Graduate Beaten to Death Over Missing iPhone: Police Arrest Three as More Details Emerge

Fresh details have emerged surrounding the tragic death of a 25-year-old University of Jos (UNIJOS) graduate and model, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” who allegedly died after being brutally beaten by a group of youths over accusations of stealing a mobile phone in Plateau State.

The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, occurred on Sunday at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos.

According to multiple accounts, Mbaya, a Jos-based fashion model and University of Jos graduate who was reportedly resolving an outstanding academic matter, had attended a social gathering before deciding to spend the night at a friend’s apartment because it was too late to return home.

The following morning, his host allegedly informed him that an iPhone had gone missing and accused him of being responsible since they were the only two people who had occupied the room overnight.

Although Mbaya initially left the apartment after denying the allegation, reports indicate that he later returned after being asked to come back and explain himself.

However, instead of being given an opportunity to clear his name, he was allegedly confronted by his friend and several other youths who accused him of stealing the phone.

Witnesses alleged that the group repeatedly assaulted him with sticks, wooden objects, and other items for several hours in what was reportedly an attempt to force a confession. The prolonged beating left him unconscious.

According to reports, a nurse who later examined Mbaya confirmed that he had died from the injuries sustained during the attack.

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the alleged killing.

The suspects were identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear, and Nensemka Fwanji.

Police said one of the suspects, Emmanuel Newyear, was allegedly seen in a viral video striking Mbaya with a large wooden plank during the assault.

The Command said the suspects are being investigated for alleged culpable homicide, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other individuals believed to have participated in the attack before fleeing the scene.

Police also reiterated their condemnation of jungle justice, stressing that no individual has the legal authority to punish anyone accused of committing a crime.

The Command warned that anyone who takes the law into their own hands would be prosecuted in accordance with the law and urged members of the public to report criminal allegations to security agencies instead of resorting to violence.

The killing has drawn strong condemnation from student leaders and civil society groups.

Reacting to the incident, former Acting President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Prince Miaphen, described the alleged killing as “barbaric and unacceptable.”

He called for a transparent investigation and demanded that everyone involved in the attack be brought to justice, noting that mob violence continues to undermine the rule of law and endanger innocent lives.

Friends and associates have also paid tribute to Mbaya, describing him as a peaceful, hardworking, and talented young man who was building a promising career in Plateau State’s fashion industry.

His death has reignited national conversations about the persistent problem of jungle justice in Nigeria, where suspects are often subjected to mob violence before any police investigation or judicial process can take place.

As investigations continue, the Plateau State Police Command has appealed to members of the public with information about other suspects involved in the attack to come forward and assist law enforcement.