By Golok Nanmwa Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the alleged mob killing of a 25-year-old Jos-based model, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” who was allegedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing a mobile phone. The incident, which occurred on Sunday at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road, Jos, has sparked outrage across Plateau State, with family members, friends, students and members of the entertainment industry demanding justice for the deceased. Vanguard gathered that Mbaya, a graduate of the University of Jos who was still processing an outstanding academic issue, 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 Rayfield.
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 come 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 severe torture and beating in an attempt to force a confession. The assault reportedly lasted several hours, during which the victim was allegedly beaten with sticks and other objects until he became unconscious. It was further gathered that a nurse was later invited to examine him but reportedly confirmed that he had died.
Sources also alleged that there was an attempt to move him to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, before security operatives were alerted. The death of Mbaya has sent shockwaves through Plateau’s fashion and entertainment community, where he was regarded as one of the state’s fast-rising models. Friends and associates described him as peaceful, hardworking and talented, saying his death has robbed the state of a promising young talent.
Reacting to the incident, former Acting President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Prince Miaphen, co…
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