Family to lay UNIJOS graduate to rest today

The family of Ibrahim Mbaya, a graduate of the University of Jos, will bury him today. He was reportedly beaten to death by a mob in Jos, Plateau State.

His younger brother, James Mbaya, shared this news in an interview with PUNCH Metro. He mentioned that plans were being made to lay the 25-year-old to rest.

Ibrahim will be buried in their hometown in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State. James said, "We are making arrangements for his corpse to be brought home. He will be buried on Thursday."

James described his brother’s death as a huge loss for the family. He said their parents were devastated by what happened.

"His (Ibrahim) death has really devastated us, especially our parents. I don’t think they are ever going to recover from the shock of his death because he was the first child and the first male child of the family. We had great expectations for him."

He added, "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 now. We just have to take it in good faith and hope that justice is done."

James remembered Ibrahim as a talented model, dancer, and entrepreneur. He had dreams of starting a fashion house and a restaurant, but that was cut short by this tragic event.

The family is calling on the police to ensure that all those involved in the killing face justice. James said, "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 ever happen to the family after his tragic loss."

He continued, "The manner in which he died was very brutal and inhumane. Nobody should have gone through such inhumane treatment. I can never wish my enemy to be treated that way by those animals. Nobody should die such a brutal death. It is quite terrible and horrifying."

PUNCH Metro learned that the incident happened on Sunday at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos, Plateau State.

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident. They stated that three suspects were arrested: Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear, and Nensemka Fwanji. They are connected to the alleged culpable homicide.

Mbaya, who was a model in Jos, reportedly went to a social event before staying the night at a friend’s apartment. It was too late for him to go home.

The next morning, his friend told him that an iPhone was missing and accused him of being the main suspect since they were the only ones in the apartment.

Mbaya left at first but returned after being called back to explain himself. Upon returning, he was confronted by his friend and a group of young men who accused him of stealing the phone.

According to the police, witnesses claimed that the group beat him with sticks and other objects for several hours to force him to confess. He lost consciousness during the attack.

A nurse who examined him later confirmed that he had died.