The Plateau State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the mob killing of Jos-based model and University of Jos graduate, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee.”
The command disclosed that six people were directly involved in the attack, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining two suspects.
Speaking to journalists in Jos on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, said the police were alerted by a Good Samaritan who reported that a young man had been rushed to hospital in critical condition after being assaulted.
According to Alabo, the victim later died from the injuries sustained during the attack.
“Based on that information, we swung into action and arrested three suspects. During interrogation, they confessed to their various roles in the crime,” he said.
The police spokesman added that a fourth suspect was subsequently arrested, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to four.
Investigations identified one of the principal suspects as Emmanuel Newyear, who was allegedly seen attacking Mbaya with a wooden plank. Another suspect, Joshua Tell, has also been taken into custody.
Alabo noted that the police are collaborating closely with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
“We have been working closely with the leadership of NANS to ensure that every person involved in this crime is identified and arrested,” he stated.
He also revealed that NANS officials attended the parade of the suspects as a show of solidarity with the victim’s family and to condemn the act.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to justice, Alabo warned against mob action, stressing that criminal allegations should always be reported to law enforcement agencies rather than handled through jungle justice.
He further appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation, assuring them that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The killing of Mbaya has triggered widespread outrage across Jos, with residents, civil society organisations, and youth groups demanding justice for the deceased and stronger measures to curb mob violence in Plateau State.
