By Ime Silas
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has opened a full investigation and launched a manhunt for members of a mob who allegedly set an unidentified man ablaze in Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village on Wednesday morning, in what the Command described as a clear case of jungle justice.
According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the incident occurred at about 7:05 a.m. along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road. Police said the violence was triggered by an allegation that the deceased had attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
Preliminary findings indicate that the motorcycle owner resisted the alleged theft and raised an alarm. The alarm drew the attention of residents, some of whom pursued the suspect and apprehended him.
Rather than handing the suspect over to law enforcement, members of the mob allegedly took matters into their own hands. The statement said the suspect was assaulted before being set on fire, resulting in his death at the scene.
“Upon receiving the distress report, Police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene and investigation commenced,” DSP John stated.
The Command said it has intensified efforts to identify, track down and arrest all persons involved in the attack. Authorities have not released the names of any suspects, but said those found culpable will face prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, strongly condemned the killing and warned residents against resorting to mob action.
“No individual or group has the right to determine the guilt of a suspect or impose punishment outside the law,” CP Azare said in the statement. “A person accused of committing an offence must be handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.”
The Commissioner described jungle justice as unlawful, dangerous and unacceptable, noting that it not only violates the rights of suspects but also undermines the criminal justice system.
“Jungle justice is unlawful, dangerous and unacceptable. It destroys evidence, frustrates proper investigation and can lead to the killing of innocent persons,” he warned.
Police authorities urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to promptly report suspected criminal activities to the nearest police station or through emergency lines instead of taking the law into their own hands.
The killing in Ikpe Ikot Akpan is the latest in a series of mob violence cases recorded across the state in recent years. Security experts and civil society groups have repeatedly called for public enlightenment campaigns to discourage citizens from carrying out extrajudicial killings, arguing that such actions often target innocent people based on rumors and mob hysteria.
Under relevant laws, suspects in mob action cases can be charged with murder, culpable homicide and conspiracy, even if their original intent was to stop a crime.
The police said forensic teams have visited the scene and that efforts are underway to identify the deceased through community engagement.
As of press time, no arrests had been announced, but the Command said intelligence gathering is ongoing and that residents with useful information should come forward.
“We appeal to the public to cooperate with the Police by providing credible information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators,” DSP John said, adding that “Justice will be done in accordance with the law.”
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and assured residents that investigation into the incident will be thorough and transparent.
