From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal killing of a 25-year-old man in Jos.
”On 26th July, 2026, at about 11:20pm, the Command received a report at the Lamingo Police Division through a Good Samaritan from the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), informing the Police that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.
”Upon receipt of the report, Police operatives immediately mobilised to the hospital, where the victim was identified as one Ibrahim Mbaya, male, aged 25 years, of Rayfield, Jos.
”Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
”Having received this report, our detectives immediately opened an investigation into the matter, and the following suspects were arrested: one Rinji Daniel Fwanji, male, 25 years, Emmanuel Newyear, male, 30 years, and Nensemka Fwanji, male, 22 years.
”Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Emmanuel Newyear, was captured in a viral video using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased victim. He has also been identified in photographs obtained during the investigation.
”In the course of interviewing the suspects, they revealed that the victim was suspected to have stolen an iPhone 12 and rather than reporting the matter to law enforcement agencies, the suspects took the law into their own hands, attacked the deceased and beat him to a point of unconsciousness.
”The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), 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.
”The Plateau State Command strongly condemns the resort to jungle justice and reiterates that no individual or group has the legal authority to assault, or kill any person suspected of committing an offence,” a statement issued by SP Alfred Alabo, Police Public Relations Officer Plateau State Command, Jos, said.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice System provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal offences, and every suspect is entitled to due process under the law.
”We further urge members of the public to always report cases of theft, assault, or any other criminal activity to the nearest Police Station or other recognized security agencies for appropriate action,” he stated.
He warned that resorting to self help and mob action not only undermines the rule of law, but also exposes perpetrators to criminal prosecution.
”Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, law abiding, and continue to provide credible, timely, and useful information to the police to aid crime prevention and effective policing across the state,” he added.