Plateau Police Arrest 3 Over Jungle Justice Killing of 25-Year-Old in Jos, Condemn Mob Action
By Our Correspondent
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the beating to death of a 25-year-old man in Jos, allegedly over the theft of an iPhone 12.
The Command condemned the act as jungle justice and warned that taking the law into one’s own hands remains a criminal offence.
According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, on Monday, July 27, 2026, the incident was reported at about 11:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.
A Good Samaritan informed the Lamingo Police Division that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, under suspicious circumstances.
Police operatives who responded to the report identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya, male, 25 years, of Rayfield, Jos. He was confirmed dead on arrival by doctors on duty. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Three suspects arrested
Following an investigation, detectives arrested Rinji Daniel Fwanji, male, 25 years, Emmanuel Newyear, male, 30 years, and Nensemka Fwanji, male, 22 years.
Police said further investigation revealed that Emmanuel Newyear was captured in a viral video using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased.
He was also identified in photographs obtained during the probe. During interrogation, the suspects alleged that the victim was suspected of stealing an iPhone 12. Rather than reporting to the police, they took the law into their own hands and beat him to unconsciousness.
All three suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Jos, for discreet investigation. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects. They will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.
The Plateau State Command strongly condemned jungle justice saying “No individual or group has the legal authority to assault, or kill any person suspected of committing an offence.”
According to the police command spokesman, SP Alabo Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice System provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting crimes, and “every suspect is entitled to due process under the law.”
“Resorting to self help and mob action not only undermines the rule of law, but also exposes perpetrators to criminal prosecution,” the statement added.
The Command urged members of the public to report cases of theft, assault, or any criminal activity to the nearest police station instead of resorting to mob action.
The public was advised to remain calm and provide credible information to aid policing.
For emergencies, the Command listed:
07059473022
08038907662Signed:
SP Alfred Alabo, ANIPR, JP
Police Public Relations Officer
Plateau State Command, Jos
July 27, 2026
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