RismadarVoice Reporters
September 10, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the killing of an unidentified man who was allegedly attacked, set ablaze and burnt to death by a mob at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village, along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the command, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
John stated that the incident occurred at about 7:05 am following an allegation that the deceased had attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
The PPRO noted that preliminary investigation revealed that the motorcycle owner allegedly resisted the attempted theft and raised an alarm, prompting some persons in the area to pursue and apprehend the suspect.
She continued, “Instead of handing him over to the Police for proper investigation, some members of the mob allegedly took the law into their own hands, assaulted the suspect and subsequently set him ablaze, resulting in his death.”
John said that upon receiving the distress report, police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene and an investigation commenced.
She added that the command had intensified efforts to identify, track down and arrest all persons involved in the mob action, adding that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The PPRO quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, as strongly condemning the incident and warning members of the public against jungle justice in any form.
The statement added, “No individual or group has the right to determine the guilt of a suspect or impose punishment outside the law.
“A person accused of committing an offence must be handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.”
The command urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspected criminal activities to the police rather than resorting to mob action.
“Jungle justice is unlawful, dangerous and unacceptable. It destroys evidence, frustrates proper investigation and can lead to the killing of innocent persons,” she added.
The PPRO concluded that an investigation was ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to apprehend all those connected with the incident.
The incident adds to the growing number of mob actions that have led to several fatalities.
RismadarVoice reported last Monday that a man identified simply as Basit, who had just returned to Nigeria from abroad for his wedding, was beaten to death by a mob following an alleged hit-and-run incident in the Lagos Island area of Lagos State.
Our correspondent gathered that Basit allegedly used his car to hit a male resident in the Patey area of the community and allegedly drove away after the incident, prompting some residents to chase after him.
Some irate mob members allegedly took advantage of the ensuing disagreement to lynch him.
