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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police arrest three over mob killing of Plateau student

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Police in Plateau State, Nigeria, arrested three suspects in connection with the mob killing of a 25-year-old man accused of theft.
  • The victim, Ibrahim Mbaya, was brought to a hospital unconscious and later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
  • Authorities condemned the mob action, emphasizing that legal procedures must be followed for any suspected offense and urging the public to report crimes to the police.

Plateau State Police Command has apprehended three individuals in connection with the death of Ibrahim Mbaya, a 25-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted by a mob over accusations of theft in Jos. The incident came to light when a Good Samaritan reported an unconscious man brought to the Jos University Teaching Hospital under suspicious circumstances.

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.

— SP Alfred AlaboPolice Public Relations Officer, Plateau State Command, detailing the victim's condition upon arrival at the hospital.

Police operatives responded promptly, identifying the victim as Ibrahim Mbaya. A medical doctor confirmed him dead upon arrival, and his body was transferred to the hospital mortuary for an autopsy. Detectives launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of Rinji Daniel Fwanji, 22, Emmanuel Newyear, 30, and Nensemka Fwanji, 25.

Preliminary findings suggest that Emmanuel Newyear was captured on a viral video allegedly using a wooden plank to strike the deceased. Investigators stated that the suspects confessed the victim was accused of stealing an iPhone 12. Instead of reporting the allegation to law enforcement, they allegedly attacked and beat him until he lost consciousness. The suspects have been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, with efforts underway to find other fleeing individuals involved in the crime.

The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Jos, where discreet investigation is ongoing. Efforts have also been intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the crime.

— SP Alfred AlaboPolice Public Relations Officer, Plateau State Command, providing an update on the investigation and efforts to apprehend more suspects.

The police spokesperson condemned the killing, reiterating that no individual or group has the legal right to assault or kill anyone suspected of a crime. He stressed the importance of due process under the law and urged the public to report all criminal activities to the police rather than resorting to mob justice, which undermines the rule of law and leads to prosecution.

The 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.

— SP Alfred AlaboPolice Public Relations Officer, Plateau State Command, emphasizing legal procedures and due process.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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