Police Detain UNIJOS Student Accused of Killing and Burying Close Friend in Jos
Story: written by Peterson October 27,2025
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a 200-level Agriculture student of the University of Jos, identified as Nanpon Timnan, for allegedly murdering his close friend, Peter Mafuyai, a 300-level Banking and Finance student, and burying him in a shallow grave at his off-campus residence in the Laranto area of Jos.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 25, shortly after the pair returned from a music recording session. Witnesses described the two as best friends who shared a passion for music and frequently spent time together.
According to an eyewitness, both students had earlier gone out to play football before heading to a studio for recording. Upon their return, Timnan allegedly retrieved a machete and attacked Mafuyai without explanation. Other occupants of the residence reportedly ran out to seek help, and upon returning, they discovered that the suspect had hurriedly buried the victim behind the house.
Police officers attached to the Laranto Division responded to a distress call around 9:30 a.m. and apprehended the suspect at the scene. Preliminary information suggests that a disagreement involving their music collaboration might have triggered the violent attack, although the exact motive remains under investigation.
The remains of the deceased have since been exhumed and deposited at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital morgue for autopsy.
University authorities have acknowledged the incident but withheld official comments pending confirmation of details. Student Union Government President, Jane Pwajok, stated that the police are handling the case and that the union is working to verify the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Efforts to obtain a statement from the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, were unsuccessful at the time of this repor
