The University of Jos Alumni Association condemns the alleged killing of Ibrahim Mbaya and urges police to prosecute all those responsible

The University of Jos Alumni Association has demanded a thorough investigation and justice following the alleged mob killing of its member, Ibrahim Mbaya, at an off-campus apartment in Jos, Plateau State.

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The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at an apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road, where Mbaya, a Jos-based model and University of Jos alumnus, was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths over accusations surrounding a missing iPhone.

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the incident and arrested three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji in connection with the alleged culpable homicide.

According to reports, Mbaya had attended a social event before spending the night at a friend’s apartment because it was too late for him to return home. He was also reportedly in the process of resolving an outstanding academic matter at the University of Jos.

The circumstances surrounding his death began when his friend reportedly discovered that an iPhone was missing the following morning and allegedly accused Mbaya of being responsible because the two were the only occupants of the apartment.

Mbaya initially left the premises but reportedly returned after being called back to provide an explanation.

The police said that, upon his return, Mbaya was allegedly confronted by his friend and a group of youths who accused him of stealing the phone.

According to the command, witnesses alleged that the group subjected him to prolonged physical assault with sticks and other objects in an attempt to force him to confess to the alleged theft.

The assault reportedly continued for several hours before Mbaya lost consciousness.

A nurse who later examined him reportedly confirmed that he had died.

The police also said one of the suspects was captured in a viral video allegedly striking Mbaya with a large wooden plank during the assault.

The alleged Ibrahim Mbaya mob killing has since generated outrage among members of the University of Jos community, with the university’s alumni association describing the incident as a disturbing example of the dangers of mob justice.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the University of Jos Alumni Association condemned the killing as “barbaric, unjustifiable, and a gross violation of the right to life.”

The association expressed deep sadness and anger over the death of its member, insisting that no allegation of wrongdoing could justify taking a person’s life without due process.

“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the gruesome killing of our colleague and brother, Ibrahim Mbaya,” the association said.

“No Nigerian deserves to die in such a manner, irrespective of any allegation against them.”

The alumni body called on security agencies to accelerate their investigation, identify and arrest everyone involved in the alleged assault and ensure that those found culpable face the full weight of the law.

“We demand justice for Ibrahim Mbaya. The rule of law must prevail and not mob action,” the association stated.

It also urged the police to make the outcome of their investigation public, saying transparency would be essential to ensuring accountability and restoring confidence in the justice process.

The association’s intervention has also renewed calls for stronger public education on the dangers of jungle justice, particularly in situations where allegations of theft or other offences can quickly escalate into violent attacks.

The group called on governments at all levels to intensify public enlightenment campaigns and strengthen mechanisms for protecting lives and property.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. We must collectively reject mob killings and allow due process to take its course,” the association added.

The demand for justice comes as the police investigation continues, with three suspects already in custody and the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault being examined by investigators.

The case has also highlighted the potentially fatal consequences of allowing allegations to be settled outside the formal justice system.

Under Nigerian law, accusations of theft and other offences are matters for law enforcement and the courts, rather than private individuals or mobs to determine through violence.

The University of Jos Alumni Association also commiserated with Mbaya’s family and pledged to support his relatives in their pursuit of justice.

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As the investigation progresses, the focus will remain on establishing the precise circumstances that led to Mbaya’s death, determining the roles of those allegedly involved and ensuring that anyone found responsible is held accountable through due legal process.