Police hunt suspects over mob killing of man in A’Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a manhunt for persons involved in the killing of an unidentified man who was allegedly beaten and set ablaze by a mob in Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village, along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, 9th September, 2026, at about 7:05 am following an allegation that the deceased attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo.

In a statement signed and released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, made available to journalists on Wednesday in Uyo, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcycle owner resisted the attempted theft and raised an alarm, prompting residents to pursue and apprehend the suspect.

The statement read, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced a full investigation into the killing of an unidentified male who was allegedly attacked, set ablaze and burnt to death by a mob at Ikpe Ikot Akpan Village, along the Ikot Ekpene–Uyo Road.

“The incident occurred on Wednesday, 9th September, 2026, at about 7:05 am, following an allegation that the deceased had attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to one Idoroenyin Udo,” part of the statement read.

The Police Spokesman said it has intensified efforts to identify, track down and arrest all persons involved in the mob action, adding that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, strongly condemned the incident and warned members of the public against jungle justice.

CP Azare reiterated 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,” he said.

The Command urged residents to remain law-abiding and to 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,” CP Azare.

Investigation into the matter is ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend all those connected with the incident.