The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a United States-based Nigerian medical doctor from an angry mob in Ibadan after false kidnapping allegations sparked violence that left his vehicle burnt and nearly cost him his life.
The incident, which occurred on Monday around the 2nd Powerline area of Ologuneru along the Eleyele-Ido Road in Ibadan, has again raised concerns over the growing trend of jungle justice and misinformation-driven attacks in parts of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said police officers responded to a distress call reporting that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched and set ablaze by residents.
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According to the police, a combined team of patrol and detective officers led by the Divisional Crime Officer of the Eleyele Police Station arrived at the scene and rescued the victim, identified simply as Dr. Afolabi, from the crowd.
By the time officers got there, however, the mob had already set his Lexus RX 330 SUV on fire.
Two teenage girls, Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12, who were found inside the vehicle, were also taken into protective custody as part of the investigation.
Police authorities said preliminary findings showed that Dr. Afolabi is a legitimate medical practitioner based in the United States and not a kidnap suspect as widely circulated on social media.
Investigators further established that the two girls had been legally entrusted to him by a woman identified as Mrs. Idowu Abimbola for transportation to the doctor’s mother to assist with domestic chores.
The police said Mrs. Abimbola later appeared at the station and confirmed the arrangement, while the girls themselves corroborated the account during questioning.
According to the command, the crisis began after the doctor attempted to enter through the Polytechnic gate and was stopped by a security guard for a routine vehicle check.
During the misunderstanding that followed, suspicion spread rapidly among bystanders, leading to accusations of kidnapping before the situation degenerated into Mob Attack
“The victim was immediately rushed to the Police Medical Services for urgent medical attention and is currently responding to treatment,” the statement added.
The police also confirmed that statements had been obtained from eyewitnesses, including a commercial motorcycle rider reportedly hit during the confusion.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack and destruction of property.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, condemned the mob action and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
He described the circulation of false and unverified information, especially on social media, as dangerous and capable of creating unnecessary panic and undermining public safety.
The latest incident has renewed debate over the increasing cases of jungle justice in Nigeria, where suspected criminals are often attacked before security agencies can verify allegations against them.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that mob actions fueled by rumours and viral social media claims could worsen insecurity and lead to the killing of innocent people.
In recent years, several Nigerians accused of kidnapping, theft and ritual activities have been assaulted or killed by mobs before investigations were concluded, prompting repeated calls for stronger public awareness campaigns and quicker police response systems.
Residents in parts of Ibadan have also expressed concern over rising tension linked to kidnapping fears across the country, with many communities becoming increasingly suspicious of unfamiliar movements involving children.
Police authorities said a full-scale investigation into Monday’s incident had commenced, while those involved in the Mob Attack would be prosecuted in line with the law
