The Plateau State Police Command has arrested another suspect in connection with the alleged mob killing of University of Jos graduate Ibrahim Mbaya, bringing the number of suspects in custody to five as investigations into the tragic incident continue.
The latest arrest marks another development in the high-profile case that sparked nationwide outrage after Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee,” was allegedly tortured to death by a mob over accusations of stealing a mobile phone.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, announced that detectives arrested Yusuf Christopher Beskeni, 24, following credible intelligence linking him to the incident.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly played an active role in the attack by helping to tie Mbaya to a pole before members of the mob allegedly assaulted him.
“The suspect allegedly played an active role in the unlawful assault on the deceased. He is specifically alleged to have participated in tying the deceased to a pole while he was subjected to severe assault by members of the mob,” the statement said.
The police confirmed that Beskeni is currently in custody and assisting investigators, while efforts have intensified to track down and arrest other suspects who remain at large.
Reacting to the development, the Acting Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, DCP Usman Sheikh Adamu, assured Mbaya’s family and the public that the Command is committed to ensuring that everyone found responsible for the killing is brought to justice. He pledged that investigations would be thorough and that all suspects would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The police also appealed to residents with relevant information to cooperate with investigators by reporting useful intelligence to the nearest police formation, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law.
Mbaya died on July 27 after he was allegedly attacked by a mob at an off-campus residence in Jos over claims that he had stolen a mobile phone. His death triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger action against mob justice in Nigeria. With the latest arrest, police say investigations remain ongoing as they continue the search for additional suspects.
