The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of a man who was allegedly beaten and set ablaze by a mob over an attempted motorcycle theft.
The incident occurred around 7:05am at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village, along the Ikot Ekpene-Uyo Road, after the victim was accused of trying to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the motorcycle owner reportedly resisted the alleged theft and raised an alarm, leading residents to chase and apprehend the suspect.
Rather than handing the suspect over to the police, the mob allegedly attacked him before setting him on fire, resulting in his death.
John said police operatives were dispatched to the area after receiving information about the incident, while efforts had commenced to identify and apprehend those involved in the killing.
She said the command would ensure that anyone found to have participated in the mob action was brought before the law after the investigation.
The PPRO quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, as condemning the killing and warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.
Azare stressed that allegations of criminal conduct must be subjected to proper investigation and judicial processes, rather than punishment by members of the public.
The command appealed to residents to report suspected criminal activities to security agencies, warning that jungle justice was unlawful and could result in the death of innocent people while also frustrating investigations and destroying evidence.
