DOCTOR NEARLY LYNCHED, SUV BURNT OVER FALSE KIDNAP ALLEGATION IN IBADAN

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

An innocent Nigerian doctor based in the United States, identified as Dr. Afolabi, narrowly escaped death after being attacked by an angry mob in Ibadan, Oyo State, over a false kidnapping allegation.

The incident occurred on May 12, 2026, after a misunderstanding at a checkpoint reportedly triggered suspicions among residents and passersby.

According to reports, the mob dragged Dr. Afolabi out of his Lexus RX 330 SUV, brutally assaulted him, and set his vehicle ablaze before police operatives intervened.

It was later discovered that the doctor had committed no offence.

Investigations by the Oyo State Police Command revealed that the two young girls found in his vehicle, identified as Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12, were legally under his care and were being transported to assist his mother with domestic chores.

The girls’ guardian, Mrs. Idowu Abimbola, reportedly confirmed the arrangement, while the girls also corroborated the account given by the doctor.

Police authorities condemned the mob action, describing it as a dangerous act of jungle justice fueled by rumours and assumptions rather than verified facts.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered an immediate investigation into the attack and directed that all individuals involved in the assault and destruction of property be identified and arrested.

The command warned residents against taking the law into their hands, stressing that suspicion alone is not proof of guilt.

The incident has reignited concerns over mob violence and jungle justice in parts of the country, with calls for greater public restraint and stronger reliance on law enforcement agencies in handling criminal suspicions.

Authorities urged members of the public to always report suspicious activities to the police rather than resorting to violence.