The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged mob killing of a 25-year-old man in Jos, describing the incident as a tragic consequence of jungle justice and warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, ANIPR, JP, the incident occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2026, when the Command received a report at about 11:20 p.m. from the Lamingo Police Division.
The report, made by a Good Samaritan from the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), informed the police that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the hospital under suspicious circumstances.
Police operatives immediately responded to the report and identified the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya, a 25-year-old resident of Rayfield, Jos. Medical personnel at the hospital, however, confirmed that he was dead on arrival. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Following the report, detectives launched an investigation which led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji (25), Emmanuel Newyear (30), and Nensemka Fwanji (22).
The Police disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects, Emmanuel Newyear, was captured in a viral video allegedly using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased. Investigators also reportedly identified him in photographs obtained during the course of the investigation.
According to the Command, the suspects admitted during interrogation that the deceased had been suspected of stealing an iPhone 12. Rather than reporting the allegation to law enforcement authorities, they allegedly assaulted him until he became unconscious, resulting in his death.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jos, where investigations are ongoing. The Police also said efforts have been intensified to arrest other individuals believed to have participated in the incident.
Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be charged to court.
Reacting to the development, the Plateau State Police Command strongly condemned the act of jungle justice, emphasizing that no individual or group has the legal authority to assault or kill anyone merely on suspicion of committing an offence.
The Command reiterated that Nigeria’s criminal justice system provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal cases, stressing that every suspect is entitled to due process under the law.
The Police further urged members of the public to report cases of theft, assault, and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or recognized security agency, rather than resorting to mob action.
According to the Command, self-help and jungle justice not only undermine the rule of law but also expose perpetrators to criminal liability.
Residents were also encouraged to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support effective policing and crime prevention across Plateau State.
For emergencies, the Plateau State Police Command advised members of the public to contact its Control Room through 07059473022 or 08038907662.
Source: Plateau State Police Command Press Release, July 27, 2026.
