The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the mob killing of 25-year-old Ibrahim Mbaya, a University of Jos graduate, chef and contestant in the Mr. and Miss Glam Nigeria 2026 pageant, after he was accused of stealing an iPhone 12. Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects who allegedly took part in the attack.
According to police, the incident occurred on July 26 after Mbaya visited a friend’s apartment in Jos. He was accused of stealing an iPhone 12 and was allegedly beaten by a mob armed with wooden planks and other objects instead of being handed over to the authorities. A Good Samaritan later rushed him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where doctors confirmed he was dead on arrival.
Police identified the three arrested suspects as Rinji Daniel Fwanji (25), Emmanuel Newyear (30), and Nensemka Fwanji (22). Investigators said a viral video allegedly showed Emmanuel Newyear repeatedly striking Mbaya with a large wooden plank. The suspects reportedly admitted assaulting him over the theft allegation rather than reporting the matter to the police. They have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where investigations are continuing before they are charged in court.
Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” was remembered by friends as a talented young model, baker and chef who had recently been unveiled as one of the Top 30 finalists in the Mr. and Miss Glam Nigeria 2026 competition. His death has sparked widespread outrage, with students, colleagues and civil society groups demanding justice and an end to jungle justice in Nigeria.
The Plateau State Police Command condemned the killing, stressing that no one has the legal right to assault or kill a suspect. The command urged Nigerians to report alleged crimes to law enforcement agencies and allow due process to take its course.
