The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the alleged mob killing of a 25-year-old man, Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, who was reportedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing an iPhone 12.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 27, 2026, the Command strongly condemned the act of jungle justice, describing it as a dangerous violation of the rule of law and warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.
According to the police, the incident came to light on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at about 11:20 p.m., when officers of the Lamingo Police Division received a report from a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). The caller informed the police that some youths had rushed an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.
Police operatives immediately responded and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya, a 25-year-old resident of Rayfield, Jos. However, medical personnel confirmed that he was dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.
Following report, detectives launched an investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25, Emmanuel Newyear, 30, and Nensemka Fwanji, 22.
The police disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed Emmanuel Newyear was captured in a viral video allegedly using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased, and also identified in photographs obtained by investigators.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted that Ibrahim Mbaya was accused of stealing an iPhone 12. Instead of reporting the matter to the police, they allegedly beat him until he became unconscious.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jos for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects who reportedly fled after the incident. Police said all those found culpable will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Plateau State Police Command reiterated that no individual had the legal right to assault or kill a person merely on suspicion of committing a crime, stressing that every suspect is entitled to due process under Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The Command urged members of the public to always report cases of theft and other criminal activities to the nearest Police station or relevant security agency, warning that any acts of self-help and mob violence only undermine justice and expose perpetrators to criminal prosecution.
Residents were also encouraged to remain law-abiding and continue to provide credible information to security agencies to support effective policing and crime prevention across Plateau State.
Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, 25, popularly known as ‘Ibee’, was a prominent model, chef and contestant for Mr. And Miss Glam Nigeria 2026.
-9News Nigeria.
