Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the brutal killing of Ibrahim Mbaye, a student of the University of Jos who was reportedly beaten to death by fellow students over allegations that he stole an iPhone 16. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David along Ring Road in Jos, has sparked widespread outrage across the country and reignited calls for an end to mob justice on campuses. The alleged phone was never found in his possession, according to the statement issued by the student body on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Ibrahim Mbaye, a 25-year-old graduate of the University of Jos who was still processing an outstanding academic issue, was popularly known as "Ibee" and worked as a model in Plateau State's entertainment industry. According to eyewitness accounts reported to the police, Mbaye had attended a social event on campus on Sunday 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. 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, Mbaye was the prime suspect.
Mbaye initially left the apartment but later returned after receiving a telephone call from the friend, who requested that he come back to explain himself. Upon 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. A disturbing video circulating online allegedly shows the victim tied up and suspended while being beaten, and in another scene, he was reportedly forced to transfer water from one container to another with a teaspoon despite his weakened condition.
In a statement issued on Monday, NANS National President Akinteye Babatunde Afeez described the incident as "heartbreaking" and stressed that no allegation, regardless of its nature, justifies mob violence or extrajudicial punishment. "It is deeply heartbreaking that a promising young student had to lose his life in such a cruel and senseless manner. No allegation, regardless of its nature, justifies mob violence or extrajudicial punishment," Afeez said. He welcomed reports that some suspects had been arrested and called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and swift investigation. "Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, as this will serve as a deterrent to anyone who believes violence is an alternative to due process. No student should ever lose their life to jungle justice," he added.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the killing. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said the command received a report from a Good Samaritan at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the Jos University Teaching Hospital under suspicious circumstances. Police operatives immediately responded and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya of Rayfield, Jos, but he was confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty. His remains have been deposited in the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The arrested suspects were identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25; Emmanuel Newyear, 30; and Nensemka Fwanji, 22. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Emmanuel Newyear, was captured in a viral video allegedly using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased. The suspects told investigators that Mbaye was accused of stealing an iPhone 12, not an iPhone 16, but instead of reporting the allegation to law enforcement agencies, they allegedly attacked and beat him until he became unconscious. The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Jos, where discreet investigation is ongoing, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Reacting to the incident, former Acting President of NANS, Prince Miaphen, condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. A student of the University of Jos, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said no allegation of theft justified the brutal treatment meted out to the deceased. "Nobody deserves to die because of an allegation. If he was suspected of stealing, he should have been handed over to the police. Justice must be done," the student said. The death of Mbaye 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.
The police spokesman stressed that no individual or group had the legal authority to assault or kill anyone suspected of committing an offence. "The 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," he said. He urged members of the public to report cases of theft and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or other recognised security agencies, warning that resorting to self-help and mob action undermined the rule of law and exposed perpetrators to criminal prosecution. As of the time of this report, the University of Jos had not issued an official statement on the incident. The killing has once again highlighted the dangers of mob justice on Nigerian campuses and the urgent need for students to embrace due process in resolving disputes.
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