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Akwa Ibom Police intensify efforts to identify and arrest members of the mob allegedly involved in the killing.
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Unidentified man allegedly beaten and set ablaze after being accused of attempting to steal a motorcycle
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CP Baba Azare says suspects must be handed over to the Police for investigation and prosecution.
September 09, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a manhunt for members of a mob who allegedly beat and burnt an unidentified man to death at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road.
The Command said it had commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident, which occurred at about 7:05 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, following an allegation that the deceased attempted to steal a motorcycle.
According to the Police, the motorcycle owner, identified as Idoroenyin Udo, allegedly resisted the attempted theft and raised an alarm, prompting people in the area to pursue and apprehend the suspect.
The Police said that rather than handing the suspect over to security operatives, some members of the mob allegedly assaulted him before setting him ablaze, resulting in his death.
Following a distress report, Police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene, while detectives commenced an investigation and began efforts to identify, track, and arrest those connected with the mob action.
The command said anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, strongly condemned the killing and warned residents against resorting to jungle justice.
Azare stressed that no individual or group had the right to determine the guilt of an accused person or impose punishment outside the law, insisting that suspects must be handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.
The commissioner urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the Police rather than taking the law into their own hands.
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He warned that jungle justice was unlawful and dangerous, noting that it could destroy evidence, frustrate investigations and lead to the killing of innocent persons.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing as the police intensify efforts to apprehend all persons allegedly involved in the killing.
An eyewitness who spoke to THEWILL said the crowd became uncontrollable after the man was apprehended over the alleged motorcycle theft.
He stated, “Everything happened very quickly. After he was caught, people gathered around him and started beating him.
“Before anyone could stop what was happening, the situation had gone beyond control and he was set on fire.”
The eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, said the incident had caused concern in the community, stressing that suspected criminals should be handed over to the Police instead of being subjected to mob punishment.
