Mbaya, a graduate of the University of Jos and an aspiring model popularly known as Ibee, was reportedly accused of stealing an iPhone before he was allegedly subjected to a brutal assault by a group of young men said to be known to him.
His death has sparked outrage across Plateau State, with his family, friends, students and members of the entertainment industry demanding justice.
According to reports, Mbaya had attended a social event on campus before deciding to spend the night at a friend's residence in the Ring Road area of Jos, as it was too late for him to return to his home in Rayfield.
Sources said that the following morning, his friend allegedly informed him that an iPhone had gone missing and accused him of being responsible, claiming that he was the only other person in the room.
Mbaya reportedly left the apartment but later returned after receiving a phone call from his friend, who allegedly asked him to come back and explain himself.
On his return, he was allegedly confronted by his friend and other young men in the compound, who accused him of stealing the phone.
Witnesses alleged that the group attacked and severely beat Mbaya, reportedly using dangerous objects in an attempt to force him to confess. The assault was allegedly captured on video and continued for several hours until the victim became unconscious.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, said the suspects were arrested following an investigation into the killing.
Alabo said the police received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), who informed officers that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.
Police operatives immediately responded and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya, a 25-year-old resident of Rayfield, Jos.
Unfortunately, the medical doctor on duty confirmed him dead on arrival. His remains were subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The police said investigations led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25; Emmanuel Newyear, 30; and Nensemka Fwanji, 22.
According to the command, Emmanuel Newyear was captured in a viral video allegedly using a large wooden plank to assault Mbaya. He was also reportedly identified in photographs obtained during the investigation.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly accused Mbaya of stealing an iPhone 12 but chose to take the law into their own hands instead of reporting the matter to the authorities.
The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jos, where discreet investigations are ongoing.
The police said efforts had also been intensified to apprehend other suspects believed to be connected to the incident, adding that those found culpable would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.
The Plateau State Police Command strongly condemned the resort to jungle justice, stressing that no individual or group has the legal authority to assault or kill anyone suspected of committing an offence.
The command urged members of the public to report cases of theft, assault and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or recognised security agency for appropriate action.
It warned that resorting to self-help and mob action undermines the rule of law and exposes perpetrators to criminal prosecution.
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