By Abigail David
The Plateau State Police Command says four suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged mob killing of University of Jos graduate and model, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” while two other suspects remain at large.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Alfred Alabo, disclosed this on Tuesday while parading the suspects in Jos. He said investigations revealed that six people were directly involved in the fatal assault, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
According to Alabo, the police were alerted by a Good Samaritan after the victim was rushed to hospital in critical condition following a brutal attack. Mbaya later died from the injuries he sustained.
The police said three suspects were initially arrested and allegedly admitted to their roles during interrogation. A fourth suspect was later taken into custody as investigations progressed.
Alabo identified one of the suspects as Emmanuel Newyear, alleging that he was seen assaulting the deceased with a wooden plank during the attack. Another suspect, Joshua Tell, was also arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
The command said preliminary findings indicate that the suspects shared a common educational background, prompting collaboration with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) during the investigation.
Police assured residents that everyone linked to the incident would be identified and brought to justice. The command also warned against jungle justice, urging members of the public to report criminal allegations to law enforcement agencies instead of taking the law into their own hands.
Authorities appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward, assuring the public that all information would be treated confidentially.
The death of Mbaya has generated widespread concern in Jos, with residents and civil society groups calling for justice and stronger action to curb mob violence across Plateau State.
