Ibrahim Mbaye, a student of the University of Jos, was reportedly beaten to death by his fellow students over an allegation that he stole an iPhone 16.

According to reports, Mbaye was brutally assaulted by a group of individuals, humiliated, and locked inside a room, even though the alleged phone was never found in his possession.

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, in a statement said that it is deeply heartbreaking that a promising young student had to lose his life in such a cruel and senseless manner as no allegation, regardless of its nature, justifies mob violence or extrajudicial punishment.

“I am, however, encouraged by reports that some of the suspects have been arrested. We have repeatedly warned against taking the law into our own hands. Such acts have no place in our campuses or society and must be condemned by every student and every well-meaning Nigerian.

“On behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Ibrahim Mbaye, his friends, and the entire University of Jos community. I pray that God grants them the strength and comfort to bear this painful loss.

“I also call on the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial, and swift investigation and ensure that everyone responsible for this heinous act is brought to justice. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, as this will serve as a deterrent to anyone who believes violence is an alternative to due process. No student should ever lose their life to jungle justice,” Afeez stressed.

However, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Command, SP Alfred Alabo told journalists that three suspects have been arrested concerning the incident.

Alabo said that the Police Command had arrested three suspects over the alleged culpable homicide and he condemns jungle justice.

He said in its ongoing efforts to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law, the Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal killing of a 25 year old man in Jos. According to him, the incident, which is believed to have resulted from an act of jungle justice over an allegation of theft, reveals the sad reality of jungle justice and the grave consequences of taking the law into one’s own hands.

“On 26th July, 2026, at about 11:20pm, the Command received a report at the Lamingo Police Division through a Good Samaritan from the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), informing the Police that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.

“Upon receipt of the report, Police operatives immediately mobilized to the hospital, where the victim was identified as one Ibrahim Mbaye, male, aged 25 years, of Rayfield, Jos. 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.

“Having received this report, our detectives immediately opened an investigation into the matter, and the following suspects were arrested: one Rinji Daniel Fwanji, male, 25 years, Emmanuel Newyear, male, 30 years, and Nensemka Fwanji, male, 22 years.”

Alabo said that further investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Emmanuel Newyear, was captured in a viral video using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased victim. “He has also been identified in photographs obtained during the investigation.

“In the course of interviewing the suspects, they revealed that the victim was suspected to have stolen an iPhone 12 and rather than reporting the matter to law enforcement agencies, the suspects took the law into their own hands, attacked the deceased and beat him to a point of unconsciousness.

“The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), 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.”

The Plateau State Command strongly condemns the resort to jungle justice and reiterates that no individual or group has the legal authority to assault, or kill any person suspected of committing an offence, emphasising that Nigeria’s 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.

“We further urge members of the public to always report cases of theft, assault, or any other criminal activity to the nearest Police Station or other recognized security agencies for appropriate action. He warned that resorting to self help and mob action not only undermines the rule of law, but also exposes perpetrators to criminal prosecution.

“Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, law abiding, and continue to provide credible, timely, and useful information to the Police to aid crime prevention and effective Policing across the State,” Alabo posited.