Police arrest three suspects over killing of Plateau student

The Plateau State Police has arrested three people linked to the killing of 25-year-old Ibrahim Mbaya. He died after a mob allegedly attacked him over theft claims in Jos.

The police shared this news in a statement on Monday. The statement came from Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo. He said the arrests followed an investigation into the incident.

Alabo explained that the police got a report around 11:20 p.m. on July 26. A Good Samaritan at Jos University Teaching Hospital told officers that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under strange circumstances.

Officers quickly responded to the report and found the victim was Ibrahim Mbaya from Rayfield, Jos. “Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” the statement said.

The police shared that detectives started an investigation. This led to the arrest of Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25; Emmanuel Newyear, 30; and Nensemka Fwanji, 22. The command said early findings showed that Emmanuel Newyear was seen in a viral video. He was allegedly using a large wooden plank to hit the deceased and was also identified in photos during the investigation.

Alabo reported that the suspects told the police that they accused Mbaya of stealing an iPhone 12. Instead of going to law enforcement, they attacked him and beat him until he lost consciousness.

“The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Jos. Discreet investigation is ongoing. We are also working to catch other suspects connected to the crime. When the investigation wraps up, the suspects will face charges in court,” he said.

The police spokesman condemned the incident. He said no one has the right to beat or kill someone suspected of a crime. “The Administration of Criminal Justice System provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal offences. Every suspect has the right to due process under the law,” he said.

He encouraged the public to report cases of theft and other crimes to the nearest police station or security agencies. He warned that taking the law into one’s hands and mob actions go against the rule of law and can lead to criminal charges for those involved.

The National Association of Nigerian Students also spoke out against the incident. They called Mbaya’s death “heartbreaking” and demanded a thorough investigation to make sure those responsible are punished.