Suspects Admit Role in Killing UNIJOS Student Over Alleged Missing Phone

Four suspects arrested in connection with the death of Ibrahim Mabaye, a Political Science student of the University of Jos, have admitted their involvement in the assault that led to his death over allegations of phone theft.

The suspects spoke while being paraded by the Plateau State Police Command as investigations into the incident continue.

Mabaye was allegedly attacked on Sunday at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident has triggered widespread public outrage, especially after a disturbing video showing the victim being beaten with wooden planks and canes circulated on social media.

One of the suspects, Emmanuel Newyear, 30, admitted to taking part in the assault. He said the incident began after his cousin informed him that a mobile phone had gone missing.

According to him, the victim was questioned and allegedly directed them to different locations where the phone was said to be, including Naraguta Hostel and Rayfield, but the device was not found.

Newyear said they eventually returned to the apartment, where a crowd had gathered. He admitted slapping Mabaye and striking him three times with a wooden plank in an attempt to force him to reveal the phone’s whereabouts.

Another suspect, Teslor Joshua, also confessed to participating in the attack, stating that he helped restrain the victim by holding his hands while others tied him with a rope.

The owner of the missing phone, Rinji Daniel, narrated that Mabaye had spent the night in his room after they returned from a social event.

Daniel claimed the deceased stepped outside to answer a phone call but did not return before he and his brother fell asleep.

He said he later woke up around 4 a.m. and discovered that both his mobile phone and his brother’s power bank were missing. After unsuccessful attempts to reach Mabaye by phone, he reported the matter to his cousin, a move that eventually led to the confrontation.

Police have continued their investigation into the case, while the suspects remain in custody.

The incident has renewed calls for an end to jungle justice, with many Nigerians urging the public to allow law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal allegations instead of resorting to mob violence that can result in tragic loss of life.