A shocking case of mob violence has stirred outrage across Nigeria following the death of a University of Jos (UNIJOS) graduate, Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, allegedly tortured over a missing mobile phone.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the arrest of four suspects linked to the incident, while two others are still on the run. During police interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their individual roles in the assault that led to Mbaya’s death.
The prime suspect, Emmanuel Newyear, admitted to attacking the victim with a wooden plank, claiming he acted out of suspicion that Mbaya was withholding information about the missing phone.
According to reports, the incident began in the early hours of July 26 when the phone’s owner, Rinji Daniel Fwanji, discovered that both his phone and Mbaya were missing after spending the night together. Mbaya was later contacted and agreed to return, but was accused of theft upon arrival.
Instead of handing him over to the authorities, the suspects allegedly subjected him to a brutal assault. Another suspect, Joshua Tell, confessed to helping restrain the victim while he was being tied, stating that he only held Mbaya’s legs during the attack.
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Nensemka Fwanji, also implicated, said he later rushed Mbaya to the hospital after realizing the severity of his injuries. However, the victim was confirmed dead on arrival at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Despite the fatal incident, the missing phone has not been recovered.
The deceased, a Political Science graduate awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has been described by family members as peaceful and hardworking.
His younger sister has called for justice, insisting that those responsible must face the full weight of the law.
The police have assured the public that all suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. The case has since drawn widespread condemnation from students, civil society groups, and concerned Nigerians, with growing calls to end mob justice in the country.
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