BY SINDAY SAMUEL—The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed an unfortunate incident of mob action that occurred on Monday, May 12, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. around the 2nd Powerline Area, Ologuneru, Eleyele–Ido Road, Ibadan.
According to the Command, the incident followed a distress call reporting that an alleged kidnapper was being attacked by an angry mob and about to be lynched and set ablaze. A combined team of Patrol and Detective Officers, led by the Divisional Crime Officer of Eleyele Police Station, was immediately mobilised to the scene where the suspect was rescued from the enraged crowd.
However, before the arrival of the Police, the suspect’s Lexus RX 330 SUV had already been set ablaze by the mob. Two young girls identified as Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12, who were found inside the vehicle, were also taken into protective custody alongside the suspect for proper investigation.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, identified as Dr. Afolabi, a United States-based medical doctor, was wrongly accused of kidnapping, contrary to misleading reports circulating on social media. The Command further disclosed that the two girls found in the vehicle were legally taken from Mrs. Idowu Abimbola, 56, of Eleyele Area, Ibadan, with the intention of delivering them to the victim’s mother to assist with household chores.
During investigation, Mrs. Abimbola confirmed the arrangement at the Police Station, while the two girls also corroborated her account, dispelling suspicions of abduction.
Further findings indicated that the misunderstanding began when Dr. Afolabi was stopped at a routine security inspection point at the Polytechnic gate. After lowering his vehicle window, the girls were allegedly seen in a manner that raised suspicion among onlookers and security personnel. His inability to provide immediate clarification, coupled with communication barriers involving the minors, escalated tensions and triggered the false alarm.
The situation led to a mob chase, during which the victim was intercepted and assaulted by irate youths before Police operatives intervened. He sustained injuries and was rushed to the Police Medical Services, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
Meanwhile, eyewitness statements have been obtained, including that of an Okada rider injured during the chaos, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the mob action and destruction of property.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has strongly condemned the act of jungle justice and the spread of false information capable of inciting public panic and undermining security efforts in the state.
He ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and directed the immediate identification and arrest of all persons involved for prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Command urged members of the public to remain law-abiding, verify information before sharing, and report suspicious activities to security agencies rather than resorting to self-help.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring justice is served professionally and fairly in line with the law.
