In what is seen as jungle justice, an unidentified man was allegedly attacked and burnt to death by a mob at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village, along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road in Akwa-Ibom State on Wednesday, 9 September, 2026, over an attempt to steal a motorcycle, reports thegazellenews.com.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, who confirmed the development through a statement on Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 , said police has commenced an investigation into the killing .
According to John, the incident occurred at about 7:05 am following an allegation that the deceased had attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.
The state police image-maker added in the statement that preliminary investigation revealed that the motorcycle owner allegedly resisted the attempted theft and raised an alarm, prompting some persons in the area to pursue and apprehend the suspect.
“Instead of handing him over to the Police for proper investigation, some members of the mob allegedly took the law into their own hands, assaulted the suspect and subsequently set him ablaze, resulting in his death,” the state police publicist said , adding that upon receiving the distress report, police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene and an investigation commenced.
According to her, the command had intensified efforts to identify, track down and arrest all persons involved in the mob action, adding that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
While quoting the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, as strongly condemning the incident and warning members of the public against jungle justice in any form, the PPRO added that, “No individual or group has the right to determine the guilt of a suspect or impose punishment outside the law.
“A person accused of committing an offence must be handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution,” John said in the statement , just as she also added that command urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspected criminal activities to the police rather than resorting to mob action.
“Jungle justice is unlawful, dangerous and unacceptable. It destroys evidence, frustrates proper investigation and can lead to the killing of innocent persons,” she added.
The state police image-maker said that an investigation was ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to apprehend all those connected with the incident.
