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The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the death of 25-year-old Ibrahim Mbaya, who was assaulted after being accused of stealing an iPhone 12 in Jos.
The command disclosed this in a statement on Monday by its spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, saying the arrests followed an investigation into the incident.
According to the police, officers received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 from a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the facility under suspicious circumstances.
Responding officers identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya of Rayfield, Jos. He was, however, confirmed dead on arrival by doctors, while his body was deposited in the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Police said investigations led to the arrest of Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 25, Emmanuel Newyear, 30, and Nensemka Fwanji, 22.
Preliminary findings, according to the command, showed that Newyear was seen in a viral video allegedly striking the victim with a large wooden plank. Investigators also identified him through photographs obtained during the probe.
The suspects reportedly admitted that Mbaya was accused of stealing an iPhone 12 but, instead of handing him over to law enforcement authorities, they allegedly assaulted him until he lost consciousness.
The police said the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Jos for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects who fled the scene.
“The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, 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,” he said.
The command said all those found culpable would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
Condemning the incident, the police stressed that no individual or group has the right to assault or kill a suspect, noting that criminal allegations must be handled through the justice system.
The command urged residents to report criminal cases to the police or other recognised security agencies rather than resort to mob action, warning that such acts are criminal offences.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also condemned Mbaya’s death, describing it as tragic and calling for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
