Police hunt suspects after Akwa Ibom mob killing
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched an investigation into the mob killing of an unidentified man who was allegedly beaten and set ablaze at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road.
The incident occurred at about 7:05 am on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, after the man was accused of attempting to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
*The burnt remains of the suspected thief
Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched an investigation into the mob killing of an unidentified man who was allegedly beaten and set ablaze at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road.
The incident occurred at about 7:05 am on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, after the man was accused of attempting to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Timfon John, said preliminary findings showed that Udo resisted the alleged theft and raised an alarm, prompting people in the area to chase and apprehend the suspect.
John, speaking for the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, said that instead of handing the suspect over to the authorities, some members of the mob allegedly assaulted him before setting him ablaze.
The victim died from injuries sustained in the attack.
John said police operatives were deployed to the scene after receiving a distress report, while detectives commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
He said the command had intensified efforts to track down and arrest everyone linked to the mob action, adding that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Azare, however, condemned the killing and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
According to John, Azare stressed that no individual or group had the authority to determine the guilt of a suspect or impose punishment outside the legal process.
The commissioner urged residents to hand suspected offenders over to the Police for investigation and prosecution rather than resorting to violence.
“Jungle justice is unlawful, dangerous and unacceptable. It can destroy evidence, frustrate investigations and, in some cases, result in the killing of innocent persons,” John said.
The command appealed to residents to report suspected criminal activities promptly and allow security agencies to investigate allegations and bring offenders before the courts.
John said investigation into the incident was ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to apprehend all those connected with the killing.
