Police investigate alleged mob attack, killing of man in A’Ibom

The Akwa Ibom Police Command says is has commenced investigation into an alleged mob attack and killing of an unidentified man at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village, along the Ikot Ekpene-Uyo Road.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Uyo.

John said that the incident occurred at about 7.05 a.m. on Wednesday, following an allegation that the deceased attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to a resident identified as Idoroenyin Udo.

She said that preliminary investigation revealed that the motorcycle owner allegedly resisted the attempted theft, and raised an alarm which prompted some persons in the area to pursue and apprehend the suspect.

“Instead of handing him over to the police for proper investigation, some persons took the laws into their hands, assaulted and subsequently set the suspect ablaze.

“Upon receiving the distress report, police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene and investigation commenced,” she said.

John said that the command had intensified efforts to identify, track down and apprehend all persons involved in the mob action.

“Anyone found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” she said.

The police spokesperson said that the commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, CP Baba Azare, had condemned the incident, and warned members of the public against jungle justice.

John said that no individual or group had the right to determine the guilt of a suspect or impose punishment outside the law.

He said that any person accused of committing an offence must be handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.