How Friends Beat Jos Model Ibrahim Mbaya to Death Over Missing iPhone 12

25-year-old UNIJOS graduate and rising pageant finalist allegedly tortured for hours after being accused of stealing a phone

The tragic death of 25-year-old Ibrahim Mbaya, a University of Jos graduate and rising model popularly known as “Ibee,” has sparked nationwide outrage after he was allegedly beaten to death by a group of friends over accusations of stealing an iPhone 12. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos, Plateau State. Mbaya’s death has sent shockwaves through Plateau’s fashion and entertainment scene, where he was regarded as one of the state’s most promising models. Family members, friends, students, and members of the entertainment industry are demanding justice for the deceased, while the Plateau State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged culpable homicide, with efforts ongoing to apprehend two other fleeing suspects.

According to multiple sources, Mbaya, who had graduated from the University of Jos and was still processing an outstanding academic issue, had attended a social event on campus 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 12 had gone missing and insisted that since they were the only occupants of the room, he was the prime suspect. Eyewitnesses said Mbaya initially left the apartment but later returned after receiving a telephone call from the friend, who informed him of the missing phone and requested that he come back to explain himself. On 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 device.

Instead of reporting the matter to law enforcement, the group allegedly descended on Mbaya, 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 beaten with sticks and other objects until he became unconscious. A viral video obtained by investigators shows the victim tied up and suspended while being assaulted. In another scene, he was allegedly forced to transfer water from one bucket into another using a teaspoon after he had already been severely beaten and appeared physically exhausted. According to sources, a nurse was later invited to examine him but reportedly confirmed that he had died. An attempt was made to move him to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) before security operatives were alerted.

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Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said the command received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 through a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), informing officers that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the facility under suspicious circumstances. Police operatives immediately mobilised to the hospital, where Mbaya was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Following preliminary investigations, police arrested four suspects in connection with the killing: Rinji Daniel Fwanji (25), Emmanuel Newyear (30), Nensemka Fwanji (22), and Joshua Tell. According to the police, 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. The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jos, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend two other fleeing suspects connected to the crime.

The killing has triggered widespread condemnation and calls for justice from various quarters. The University of Jos Alumni Association condemned the killing, describing it as “senseless and reprehensible” and incompatible with the institution’s values. “Violence has no place within our university community and stands in direct contradiction to the values of excellence, character, mutual respect, and humanity upon which the University of Jos was founded,” the association said in a statement. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also condemned the incident, describing Mbaya’s death as “heartbreaking” and calling for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, stressed that allegations of criminal conduct must always be handled through established legal processes rather than violence, warning that resorting to jungle justice undermines the rule of law and exposes innocent people to the risk of being unlawfully killed.

Beyond the circumstances surrounding his death, Mbaya was remembered as a promising young talent with ambitions in the fashion and entertainment industry. While his full name was Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, he was widely known as “Ibee,” a name he also used on his social media accounts. In a resurfaced interview, Mbaya introduced himself as a baker and a model, showing his passion for both business and the fashion industry. Before his death, organisers of Mr & Miss Glam Nigeria announced Mbaya as one of the competition’s Top 30 finalists. Two days before news of his death emerged, the organisers shared a video of Mbaya completing one of his runway tasks. Mbaya’s final Instagram post, shared on July 24, featured photos of himself with the caption: “A little sunshine, a little silence, a lot of peace.” Information on his social media pages showed that Mbaya’s birthday was September 18.

The Plateau State Police Command strongly condemned the incident, stressing that no individual or group has the legal authority to assault or kill anyone suspected of committing an offence. “Nigeria’s administration of the criminal justice system provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal offences, and every suspect is entitled to due process under the law,” SP Alabo said. The command 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 undermines the rule of law and exposes perpetrators to criminal prosecution. The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent problem of mob justice in Nigeria despite repeated campaigns by security agencies and human rights advocates urging citizens to hand criminal suspects over to the police instead of resorting to violence.

How Friends Beat Jos Model Ibrahim Mbaya to Death Over Missing iPhone 12

Oyo Receives Two Surveillance Aircraft Worth ₦7.7 Billion to Strengthen Security Operations

Governor Seyi Makinde takes delivery of advanced DA-42 MNG ISR aircraft, fulfilling end-of-July deployment promise after delays in Chinese assembly

The Oyo State Government on Tuesday received the two surveillance aircraft it acquired to strengthen intelligence gathering and aerial security operations across the state, fulfilling its pledge to deliver the aircraft before the end of July. Governor Seyi Makinde was at the airport in Ibadan to personally receive the aircraft upon their arrival, marking a significant milestone in the state’s security architecture.

Announcing the development in a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the arrival of the aircraft represents a major milestone in the state’s efforts to improve security through enhanced aerial surveillance and intelligence-led operations. He recalled that the state government announced the acquisition of the two aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of measures to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling emerging security threats.

The state government initially announced the acquisition of the two surveillance aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of measures to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling emerging security threats. According to Oyelade, Governor Makinde had, on July 18, 2026, disclosed that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before their final deployment to Oyo State. The Commissioner noted that the government had assured residents about a week ago that the aircraft would arrive in the state before the end of July, adding that Tuesday’s delivery fulfilled that commitment. The delivery timeline was extended because the Chinese manufacturers required more time than initially anticipated to assemble the aircraft components.

The two DA-42 MNG Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft were procured at a total cost of ₦7,763,360,000. The sophisticated surveillance technology fitted on the aircraft is capable of identifying targets from both high and low altitudes, allowing for real-time intelligence gathering and improving rapid response and precision security operations. Once fully operational, they will provide wide aerial coverage across Oyo State and significantly boost the operational capacity of security agencies in combating banditry, kidnapping, illegal mining, and related crimes.

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The Commissioner stated that the surveillance aircraft would support intelligence gathering and assist security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other security formations, in monitoring criminal activities and improving rapid response to security threats across the state. The aircraft will be deployed to monitor and strengthen security operations along Oyo State’s borders with Kwara State and the Republic of Benin. These border areas have been identified as vulnerable corridors often exploited by criminal elements due to their porous nature.

The urgency of the aircraft acquisition was underscored by the May 15, 2026 abduction of over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers at three different schools in Oriire Local Government Area — Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A Primary School and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle. The victims were eventually rescued after 56 days in captivity. Governor Makinde confirmed that the Air Force responded promptly after the abduction was reported by deploying a surveillance platform to assist security agencies involved in the search-and-rescue operation.

While briefing the Executive Council, Governor Makinde expressed regret that the aircraft were not operational during the rescue operation, stating that he would have loved the two surveillance aircraft to participate in the rescue mission during the Oriire incident. The Governor explained that the decision to make the aircraft operational rested on the professional and technical advice of the Chinese manufacturers rather than the state government. The State Executive Council maintained that adherence to safety and technical standards was more important than yielding to public pressure, noting that it was better to be on the side of caution rather than succumb to uninformed public pressure.

The state’s decision to acquire aerial platforms followed extensive consultations with the Nigerian Air Force to guarantee access to technical maintenance support, engineering expertise, and pilot training. Governor Makinde had earlier visited China to meet with manufacturers of surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, touring the facility of CETC Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacturing Company Limited and agreeing on maintenance support and pilot training. He explained that the state procured the platforms after consultations with the Air Force to ensure access to maintenance support, engineering expertise and pilot training.

The deployment of the surveillance aircraft is expected to complement ongoing efforts by the state government to address insecurity and enhance the protection of lives and property across Oyo State. The investment underscores Governor Makinde’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven security strategies aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability in the state. The aircraft will also strengthen collaborative security efforts, with enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated operations benefiting not just Oyo but neighboring states grappling with banditry and kidnapping.

“The arrival of the aircraft marks another step in the state’s efforts to strengthen security operations through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance,” Oyelade said. The deployment of the aircraft is expected to complement ongoing efforts by the state government to address insecurity and enhance the protection of lives and property across Oyo State.

Oyo Receives Two Surveillance Aircraft Worth ₦7.7 Billion to Strengthen Security Operations

Police Shake-Up: IGP Disu Redeploys 10 AIGs in Major Leadership Reshuffle Across Eight States

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, has approved the immediate redeployment of 10 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to strategic commands, departments, and formations across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory, in a major shake-up aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and reinforcing the Force’s command structure.

The directive was contained in a police wireless signal issued by the Force Secretariat, Abuja, on Monday, July 27, 2026, and marked “Most Immediate”. The message, referenced TH.5361/FS/FHQ/ABJ/SUB.7/X Posting Senior Officers, was circulated to all major police departments, zonal commands, state commands, specialised formations, and training institutions for immediate implementation.

The development comes barely a week after Disu decorated 13 new AIGs at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, charging them to uphold professionalism across their various formations. The Police Service Commission (PSC) had earlier approved the promotion of 13 Commissioners of Police to the rank of AIG, alongside 17 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to CP and 63 other senior officers advanced to higher ranks. Among the newly decorated AIGs are Obono Nnaghe Itam, Bassey Samuel Ewah, Osagie John Agans-Irabor, Monday Agbonika, Iyamah Daniel Edobor, Isah Danladi Nda, Akaninyene Ifebem Ezima, Livingstein Ikioye Orutugu, Bello Rashid Afegbua, and Betty Enekpen Otimenyin.

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Under the new postings, AIG Polycarp Emeka Nwonyi was posted to Zone 9 Command in Umuahia, while AIG Obono Nnaghe Itam was redeployed as Commandant of the Police Staff College in Jos. AIG Bassey Samuel Ewa was posted to Zone 15 Command in Maiduguri, and AIG Osagie John Agans-Irabor was deployed to Zone 3 Command in Yola. AIG Monday Agbonika was posted to Zone 5 Command in Benin, while AIG Daniel Edobor Iyamah was redeployed to the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters, Abuja. AIG Isah Danladi Nda was posted to the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Kaduna, and AIG Akaniyene Ifebem Ezima was redeployed to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja. AIG Bello Rashid Afegbua was posted to Zone 6 Command in Calabar, while AIG Betty Enekpen Otimenyin was deployed to Zone 8 Command in Lokoja. The postings take immediate effect, and the Force Headquarters has directed departments responsible for personnel records, establishment, and computer documentation to update their records to reflect the new postings.

Speaking to The Whistler, a source familiar with the development said more shake-ups could be expected within the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the IGP has pledged not to tolerate abuse of positions or power. “The IG has reiterated his commitment to reforming the Nigerian Police Force. Going forward, more shake-ups will be seen. Officers will no longer be comfortable in positions. This will encourage administrative growth and positive policing across the Nigerian Police Force at all levels,” the source said. The source further noted that before the current administration, some AIGs and DIGs had remained in charge of certain formations for extended periods, and the IGP’s reform efforts would address this to encourage administrative growth. Although the source did not attribute the prolonged stay of officers in such positions to corruption or abuse of office, it was noted that the confidence that could come with overstaying in a particular position could undermine operational effectiveness.

In a remarkable milestone for Cross River State, three of its sons were simultaneously elevated to the prestigious rank of AIG, marking the first time in the history of the Nigeria Police Force that three officers from the same state attained the rank at the same time. The three officers are AIG Akaninyene Ezima from Biase Local Government Area, AIG Nnaghe Itam from Yakurr Local Government Area, and AIG Bassey Ewah from Etung Local Government Area. A reception organised in their honour at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Abuja attracted prominent Cross River leaders, including Senator Eteng Jones Williams and other public officials. Former Commissioner of Police, Barr. Lawrence Alobi, who served as Chairman of the occasion, commended the officers for their years of dedicated and selfless service to the nation, describing the simultaneous elevation as unprecedented.

Police Shake-Up: IGP Disu Redeploys 10 AIGs in Major Leadership Reshuffle Across Eight States