The family of Ibrahim Mbaya, the 25-year-old University of Jos graduate who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Plateau State, says he will be buried this week in his hometown of Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State.
Speaking to journalists, Ibrahim’s younger brother, James Mbaya, said the family was making arrangements to transport his body home for burial.
“We are making arrangements for his corpse to be brought home. He will be buried this week,” James said.
He described Ibrahim’s death as a heartbreaking loss, saying the tragedy had left their parents devastated.
“His death has really devastated us, especially our parents. I don’t think they are ever going to recover from the shock because he was the first child and the first male child of the family. We had great expectations from him,” he said.
James said his brother, who was a model, dancer and entrepreneur, had dreamed of establishing a fashion house and restaurant before his life was cut short.
“He had a lot of dreams that were unachieved. We are really disheartened about his death, but there is nothing we can do about it again; we just have to take it in good faith and hope that justice is done.”
The family appealed to the police to ensure that everyone involved in the alleged killing is prosecuted.
“Everyone involved in his death should get the punishment they deserve. Although this won’t bring him back, it is the best thing that can happen to the family after his tragic loss.”
Describing the incident as “brutal and inhumane,” James said no one deserved to die in such circumstances.
“Nobody should have gone through such inhumane treatment. Nobody should die such a brutal death. It is quite terrible and horrifying.”
According to police, the incident happened at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos after Mbaya attended a social event and spent the night at a friend’s residence.
Investigators said Mbaya was later accused of stealing a missing iPhone. Although he initially left the apartment, he reportedly returned after being asked to explain himself.
The Plateau State Police Command said he was allegedly attacked by a group of youths who accused him of theft. Witnesses told police that he was beaten with sticks and other objects for several hours in an attempt to force a confession before he lost consciousness.
A nurse who later examined him reportedly confirmed that he had died.
Police have arrested three suspects — Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji — in connection with the alleged culpable homicide, while investigations continue.
