Ibrahim Mbaya, a University of Jos student and model, has reportedly died after he was tortured by some students over an accusation that he stole an iPhone 12.
The Plateau State Police Command has also arrested three suspects over the alleged mob killing of a 25-year-old man.
According to the police, the incident occurred on July 26, 2026, after the Lamingo Police Division received a report from a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.
In response, security operatives identified the victim as Mbaya, a resident of Rayfield, Jos. He was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty, and his remains were deposited in the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Following investigations, the police arrested Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25; Emmanuel Newyear, 30; and Nensemka Fwanji, 22, in connection with the incident.
Investigators said Newyear was allegedly captured in a viral video using a large wooden plank to assault the victim. The police added that photographs obtained during the investigation also identified him as one of the attackers.
The police also disclosed that the suspects, during interrogation, confessed that Mbaya was accused of stealing an iPhone 12, and instead of reporting the allegation to law enforcement authorities, the suspects assaulted him until he became unconscious, leading to his death.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jos, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects who fled the scene. The police said they would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
The Plateau State Police Command condemned the killing, stressing that no individual or group has the legal right to assault or kill anyone suspected of committing an offence.
The Command urged residents to report crimes to the police and other security agencies rather than resort to mob action, warning that perpetrators of jungle justice would face the full weight of the law.
See photos of the suspects and the victim below;
