By – Odegbile Abisola
A 25-year-old University of Jos graduate, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee, has died after he was allegedly beaten and tortured by a group of youths over accusations that he stole a mobile phone in Jos, Plateau State.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road, prompting outrage and renewed concerns over the persistence of mob justice in Nigeria.
The deceased, who was reportedly resolving an outstanding academic issue at the University of Jos, had attended a social event before spending the night at a friend’s apartment because it was too late to return home.
According to reports, trouble began the following morning when his friend allegedly discovered that an iPhone was missing and accused Mbaya of taking it.
Sources said the accusation was based on the fact that both men were the only occupants of the room during the night.
Witnesses said Mbaya initially left the apartment after the allegation was made but later returned after he was reportedly called back to explain himself.
However, upon his return, he was allegedly confronted by his friend and several other youths who accused him of stealing the phone.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the group assaulted him with sticks and other objects in an attempt to force a confession. The beating reportedly lasted for several hours and continued until he became unconscious.
A nurse who later examined him reportedly confirmed that he had died from injuries sustained during the assault.
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji.
Police spokespersons said the suspects are being investigated for alleged culpable homicide, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the attack.
According to the command, one of the suspects was allegedly seen in a viral video striking the deceased with a large wooden plank during the assault.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from members of the public, students and civil society groups, many of whom have described the killing as a tragic example of jungle justice.
Reacting to the incident, former Acting President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Prince Miaphen, condemned the alleged killing, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
He called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
The police also condemned the attack and warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that criminal allegations should be reported to law enforcement authorities for proper investigation.
The death of Ibrahim Mbaya has once again drawn attention to the dangers of mob justice, a practice that rights advocates say continues to claim lives despite repeated warnings from security agencies and human rights organizations.
As investigations continue, family members, friends and colleagues of the deceased are left mourning the loss of a young graduate whose life was cut short following an allegation that had yet to be proven.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to arrest other suspects linked to the incident.
