Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a full-scale manhunt for members of a mob who allegedly beat and set ablaze an unidentified man accused of attempting to steal a motorcycle, in a brutal incident that has once again exposed the deadly consequences of jungle justice in Nigeria. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at about 7:05 a.m. at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village, along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road, following an allegation that the deceased had attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcycle owner resisted the attempted theft and raised an alarm, prompting some persons in the area to pursue and apprehend the suspect. However, rather than hand him over to the police for proper investigation, members of the mob allegedly took the law into their own hands, assaulted the suspect, and subsequently set him ablaze, resulting in his death.
The police said operatives were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving a distress report, and an investigation has commenced. The Command has intensified efforts to identify, track down, and arrest all persons involved in the mob action, warning that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, strongly condemned the incident and warned members of the public against jungle justice in any form. CP Azare reiterated that no individual or group has the right to determine the guilt of a suspect or impose punishment outside the law. He stressed that a person accused of committing an offence must be handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.
The Command urged residents to remain law-abiding and to 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," CP Azare warned.
The incident has once again raised concerns over mob justice in Akwa Ibom, coming after the police recently announced the arrest of four suspects over the alleged mob killing of a 21-year-old man, Emmanuel Effiong, in Uyo, who was accused of stealing chickens and eggs from a poultry farm. Investigation into Wednesday's killing is ongoing, while police efforts to apprehend those connected with the incident continue.
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