A 25-year-old University of Jos (UNIJOS) student and model, Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” has died after he was tortured by a group of young men over the disappearance of an iPhone.
The incident reportedly happened on Sunday at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos, Plateau State.
According to accounts gathered by investigators, Mbaya had spent the night at a friend’s residence. By the following morning, his host allegedly accused him of stealing an iPhone, claiming they were the only two people in the room.
Witnesses said Mbaya initially left the apartment but later returned after receiving a phone call asking him to come back and explain what had happened to the missing device.
On his return, he was allegedly confronted by several young men who accused him of taking the phone. Instead of reporting the matter to the police, the group assaulted him for several hours in an attempt to force a confession.
The victim reportedly became unconscious during the assault. A nurse was later invited to examine him and allegedly confirmed that he had died. There were also claims that efforts were made to move him to the Jos University Teaching Hospital before security operatives became involved.
The killing has sparked outrage among students, residents and members of the fashion industry, where Mbaya was described as a peaceful and hardworking young model with a promising future.
Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Command said three suspects had been arrested in connection with the alleged murder.
Police spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, said officers received information that an unconscious man had been brought to the Jos University Teaching Hospital under suspicious circumstances. He said the victim was identified as Ibrahim Mbaya but was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Alabo said preliminary investigations showed that Mbaya was accused of stealing a mobile phone and was allegedly beaten by a group of people instead of being handed over to law enforcement authorities.
“The suspects admitted that the deceased was accused of stealing a mobile phone but, instead of reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities, allegedly took the law into their own hands and beat him until he became unconscious,” the police spokesman said.
He added that the suspects had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department while efforts were ongoing to arrest others who reportedly fled. The police said all those found culpable would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also condemned the incident, describing it as a tragic act of jungle justice.
In a statement, NANS President Akinteye Babatunde said, “No allegation, regardless of its nature, justifies mob violence or extrajudicial punishment.”
He urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure everyone involved is brought to justice, stressing that no student should lose their life over an allegation.