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

Jos Model Ibrahim Mbaya

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.