Law enforcement apprehends trio in connection with brutal gang murder of Plateau university student

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The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of 25-year-old Ibrahim Mbaya, who allegedly died after he was assaulted by a mob over an accusation of theft in Jos.

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The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, saying the suspects were arrested following an investigation into the incident.

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Alabo said the police received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 from a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, informing officers that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the facility under suspicious circumstances.

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He said police operatives immediately responded to the report and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya of Rayfield, Jos.

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“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 read.

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According to the police, detectives commenced an investigation, which led to the arrest of Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25; Emmanuel Newyear, 30; and Nensemka Fwanji, 22.

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The command said 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 and was also identified in photographs obtained during the investigation.

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Alabo said the suspects told investigators that the deceased was accused of stealing an iPhone 12 but, instead of reporting the allegation to law enforcement agencies, they allegedly attacked and beat him until he became unconscious.

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“The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Jos, where discreet investigation is ongoing. Efforts have also been intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” he said.

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Condemning the incident, the police spokesman stressed that no individual or group had the legal authority to assault or kill anyone suspected of committing an offence.

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“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.

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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.

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The National Association of Nigerian Students also condemned the incident, describing Mbaya’s death as “heartbreaking” and calling for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.n

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