3 suspects arrested for brutal murder of 25-year-old model over missing iPhone

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 -The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal mob k!lling of a 25-year-old model, Ibrahim Mbaya, in Jos 

Mbaya, a University of Jos graduate and model popularly known as Ibee, was accused of stealing an iPhone and brutally beaten by the suspects said to be known to him. 

The k!lling of the fast-rising model has sparked outrage across Plateau State and social media, with family members, friends, students and members of the entertainment industry demanding justice for the deceased.

It was gathered that Mbaya had attended a social event on campus before deciding to spend the night at a friend's residence in Ring Road because it was too late to return to his home in Rayfied.

Sources said the following morning, his friend allegedly informed him that an iPhone had gone missing and insisted that since they were the only occupants of the room, he was the prime suspect.

According to eyewitnesses, Mbaya initially left the apartment but later returned after receiving a telephone call from the friend, who informed him of the missing phone and requested that he comes back to explain himself. 

On his return, the young model was allegedly confronted by his friend and several other young men in the compound, who accused him of stealing the phone.

Witnesses alleged that the group descended on him, subjecting him to a severe torture and beating in an attempt to force a confession.

The assault which was caught on camera lasted several hours, during which the victim was allegedly b£aten with dangerous objects until he became unconscious. 

The spokesperson for the command, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the incident and arrest in a statement issued on Monday, July 27, 2026.

According to the PPRO, the suspects were arrested following an investigation into the incident.

Alabo said the police received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 from a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, informing officers that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the facility under suspicious circumstances.

Police operatives immediately responded to the report and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya of Rayfield, Jos.

Unfortunately, Mbaya was confirmed d3ad on arrival by the medical doctor on duty.

Detectives commenced an investigation, which led to the arrest of Rinji Daniel Fwanji Emmanuel Newyear, and Nensemka Fwanji.

Emmanuel Newyear, was captured in a viral video using a large wooden plank to ass@ult the deceased victim. 

"The Plateau State Police Command in its ongoing efforts to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law, has arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal k!lling of a 25 year old man in Jos,” the statement read.

"The incident, which is believed to have resulted from an act of jungle justice over an allegation of theft, reveals the sad reality of jungle justice and the grave consequences of taking the law into one's own hands.

"On 26th July, 2026, at about 11:20pm, the Command received a report at the Lamingo Police Division through a Good Samaritan from the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), informing the Police that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.

“Upon receipt of the report, Police operatives immediately mobilized to the hospital, where the victim was identified as one Ibrahim Mbaya, male, aged 25 years, of Rayfield, Jos.

"Unfortunately, he was confirmed d3ad on arrival by the medical doctor on duty. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

"Having received this report, our detectives immediately opened an investigation into the matter, and the following suspects were arrested: one Rinji Daniel Fwanji, male, 25 years, Emmanuel Newyear, male, 30 years, and Nensemka Fwanji, male, 22 years.

"Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Emmanuel Newyear, was captured in a viral video using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased victim. 

"He has also been identified in photographs obtained during the investigation.

"In the course of interviewing the suspects, they revealed that the victim was suspected to have stolen an iPhone 12 and rather than reporting the matter to law enforcement agencies, the suspects took the law into their own hands, attacked the deceased and beat him to a point of unconsciousness.

"The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jos, where discreet investigation is ongoing. 

"Efforts have also been intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime. 

"Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly.

"The Plateau State Command strongly condemns the resort to jungle justice and reiterates that no individual or group has the legal authority to assault, or k!ll any person suspected of committing an offence. 

"He emphasized that Nigeria's Administration of Criminal Justice System provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal offences, and every suspect is entitled to due process under the law.

"We further urge members of the public to always report cases of theft, assault, or any other criminal activity to the nearest Police Station or other recognized security agencies for appropriate action. 

"He warned that resorting to self help and mob action not only undermines the rule of law, but also exposes perpetrators to criminal prosecution.

“Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, law abiding, and continue to provide credible, timely, and useful information to the Police to aid crime prevention and effective Policing across the State.”