By Oshinaike Omomayowa
A 25-year-old University of Jos graduate, Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” has died after he was allegedly attacked by a mob over accusations of stealing an iPhone 12 in Jos, Plateau State.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed on Monday that Mbaya was brought unconscious to the Jos University Teaching Hospital on July 26 by some youths, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
Three suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others allegedly linked to the incident.
The killing has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls against mob violence on campuses.
According to police and witness accounts:
Mbaya, a Political Science graduate awaiting NYSC mobilization, had attended a social event in the early hours of July 26 and spent the night at a friend’s apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos.
The following morning, the owner of the apartment, Rinji Daniel Fwanji, said an iPhone was missing and accused Mbaya of being the prime suspect since they were the only occupants.
Mbaya initially left but reportedly returned after being called back to explain himself. On his return, he was confronted by his friend and a group of youths who accused him of stealing the phone.
Police say witnesses alleged that the group assaulted him with sticks and other objects for several hours in an attempt to force a confession until he lost consciousness.
A nurse who later examined him reportedly confirmed that he had died.
The Plateau State Police Command said three suspects have been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
In a video from police interrogation shared by Manari TV, the prime suspect, Emmanuel New year, 30, admitted striking Mbaya with a wooden plank.
“I was the one that hit him with the plank three times,” New year said.
He claimed he slapped Mbaya before hitting him with the plank because he believed the victim was withholding information about the missing phone.
According to him, Mbaya mentioned three different locations where the phone was hidden, but searches yielded nothing.
“When I came back after about one or two hours, there was already a crowd. I saw they had barbed his hair, and it was as if he had been hanged,” he added.
The owner of the missing phone, Rinji Daniel Fwanji, also narrated how Mbaya came to spend the night at his residence. Police said the allegedly stolen iPhone 12 was never recovered from Mbaya.
Mbaya’s death has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many condemning jungle justice.
On X, “SozoTrades” wrote, “Why all this killing for phone? Is the phone worth more than a life? Justice for Ibrahim”.
Another user asked, “What happened to taking him to the police station? Now he’s dead”.
On Facebook, Goodhope Odinakachi wrote, “Even if he stole the phone, jungle justice is an offence”.
The National Association of Nigerian Students condemned the killing, describing it as “heartbreaking” and calling for a thorough investigation.
NANS President Akinteye Babatunde said: “It is deeply heartbreaking that a promising young student had to lose his life in such a cruel and senseless manner. No allegation, regardless of its nature, justifies mob violence or extrajudicial punishment”.
The University of Jos Alumni Association also called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice.
This is not the first time a UNIJOS student has died violently.
In December 2025, a Plateau High Court sentenced a police officer to death for killing 300-level student Rinji Bala in 2020.
In March 2026, 300-level student Abel Gershon died after a bandit attack in Jos.
Experts say the Mbaya case highlights how quickly accusations can escalate to fatal violence when due process is ignored.
“Someone lynched his fellow based on accusation. Let the law deal with him,” Gabriel Nwobodo wrote online.
Police say investigations are ongoing and efforts continue to track down others allegedly connected to the incident.
The family is preparing to bury Mbaya.
The Plateau State Police PRO, SP Alfred Alobo, said the command will ensure all those involved face the law.
For an alleged missing iPhone 12, a 25-year-old graduate lost his life.
Mbaya was not found with the phone. He was beaten, detained, and died before any court could hear the case.
As Nigerians demand justice online and offline, student groups and alumni are asking the same question: if we reject police brutality, why are we normalizing mob brutality?
The law, police say, will now answer.
