Fresh details have emerged in the investigation into the death of Ibrahim Mabaye, a student of the University of Jos, as suspects arrested in connection with the incident allegedly recounted their roles in the events that culminated in his death.
The case has continued to generate public outrage across Plateau State and beyond following the circulation of disturbing videos showing the victim being subjected to severe physical abuse before his death.
Mabaye, a Political Science student popularly known among friends as “Ibee,” reportedly died after being accused of stealing a mobile phone belonging to a fellow student. The incident occurred at an off-campus residence located behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos North Local Government Area.
The Plateau State Police Command, which has launched a full investigation into the case, recently paraded suspects linked to the incident. During the parade, some of the suspects allegedly provided accounts of what transpired before the student lost consciousness and later died.
Incident Sparks Widespread Condemnation
The death of the undergraduate has drawn strong reactions from students, civil society groups, and residents who have condemned what many describe as a brutal act of jungle justice.
Videos circulating online allegedly captured parts of the assault, showing the victim being beaten with wooden planks, canes, and other objects while surrounded by several individuals.
The footage has renewed concerns over the increasing trend of mob action and extrajudicial punishment in parts of the country, with many calling for strict punishment for those responsible.
Human rights advocates have also stressed the need for greater public awareness about due process and the dangers of taking criminal allegations into private hands.
Suspect Admits Participating in Assault
One of the suspects, identified as Emmanuel Newyear, reportedly admitted to taking part in the assault during interactions with investigators.
According to his account, the incident began after he was informed by a relative that a mobile phone had gone missing.
He claimed that efforts were made to question the deceased about the whereabouts of the device after suspicion fell on him.
Newyear alleged that the victim initially provided different locations where the phone could supposedly be found, prompting several unsuccessful searches.
According to him, the searches failed to recover the missing device, and tensions escalated as more people became involved in the matter.
The suspect admitted that he physically assaulted the victim during the confrontation.
Investigators said he acknowledged striking Mabaye with a wooden plank while attempting to force him to reveal the location of the missing phone.
His statement forms part of the evidence currently being examined by detectives handling the case.
Another Suspect Speaks on His Role
Another suspect, identified as Teslor Joshua, also reportedly admitted participating in the events that unfolded.
According to investigators, Joshua disclosed that he assisted in restraining the victim during the ordeal.
He allegedly stated that he helped hold the deceased while others carried out acts of punishment.
Police authorities have not yet disclosed the full extent of each suspect’s involvement, noting that investigations remain ongoing.
Detectives are expected to analyze witness statements, video evidence, and forensic findings to determine individual levels of responsibility.
Phone Owner Recounts Events Before Alleged Theft
A third suspect, Rinji Daniel, whose phone was reportedly the subject of the dispute, provided investigators with his version of events.
According to Daniel, the victim had spent the night in his room after both attended a social event.
He explained that Mabaye later stepped outside, reportedly to answer a phone call, while the others remained in the room.
Daniel claimed that he later fell asleep and woke up during the early hours of the morning to discover that both the visitor and certain personal belongings were missing.
Among the items allegedly missing were a mobile phone and a power bank that had been left charging overnight.
He said repeated attempts to contact the victim were unsuccessful at first.
Daniel further claimed that when contact was eventually established, the responses raised additional suspicions, leading him to report the matter to relatives and friends.
According to him, that decision set off a chain of events that ultimately ended in tragedy.
Police Continue Investigation
The Plateau State Police Command has emphasized that the matter remains under active investigation.
Authorities say detectives are working to establish the complete sequence of events, identify all individuals involved, and determine the exact circumstances that led to Mabaye’s death.
Police have also indicated that additional arrests may be made if evidence reveals the involvement of other persons.
The victim’s remains have been deposited in a mortuary, while medical examinations, including an autopsy, are expected to provide further insight into the cause of death.
Investigators are also reviewing video footage and photographs linked to the incident as part of efforts to build a comprehensive case.
Growing Calls for Justice
The incident has triggered widespread calls for accountability from students, community leaders, and human rights organizations.
Many have questioned why the allegation of theft was not reported directly to law enforcement authorities instead of being handled through violence.
Observers note that even if a crime is suspected, Nigerian law guarantees every individual the right to due process and a fair hearing.
Legal experts have warned that mob actions often result in innocent lives being lost and can transform accusers into criminal suspects.
The case has also sparked conversations within university communities about conflict resolution, student welfare, and the importance of reporting criminal allegations through proper channels.
Warning Against Jungle Justice
Security agencies have once again cautioned citizens against resorting to self-help measures when confronted with criminal allegations.
The police stressed that accusations alone do not constitute proof of guilt and that investigations should be left to authorized authorities.
Officials warned that individuals who participate in assaults, unlawful detention, torture, or mob actions could face serious criminal charges, including murder where deaths occur.
As the investigation progresses, many Nigerians are hoping the case will serve as a reminder of the consequences of taking the law into private hands.
For family members, friends, and classmates of the deceased, attention is now focused on securing justice and ensuring that those found culpable are held accountable under the law.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to be closely watched as authorities move toward possible prosecution of the suspects involved in the incident.
Suspects Reveal Details of Alleged Torture That Led to Death of University of Jos Student
