The National Coalition Against Mass Killings, Extra-Judicial Killings, Mob Actions and Impunity (NCAMKI) has strongly condemned the mob attack on a United States-based Nigerian medical doctor in Ibadan, Oyo State, following false accusations of kidnapping. The coalition described the incident as a disturbing reminder of the dangers of mob justice, false accusations, and unverified rumours.
Details of the Attack
According to reports, the victim, identified as Dr Afolabi, was brutally assaulted and nearly lynched by an angry crowd around the Ologuneru area of Ibadan after being wrongly suspected of attempting to kidnap children. His vehicle was also set ablaze before police operatives intervened and rescued him from the mob.
Statement from NCAMKI
In a statement issued by Tunde Agunbiade on behalf of its secretariat, NCAMKI highlighted that the incident underscores the growing threat of jungle justice across the country. The coalition noted that if the police had arrived a few minutes later, another innocent Nigerian might have been killed, adding to the increasing number of victims of mob violence nationwide.
NCAMKI expressed concern that mob violence is gradually becoming normalised in many communities under the guise of vigilante operations, community defence, and public anger over insecurity. The statement read: “While citizens have genuine fears over rising kidnappings, violent crimes, and insecurity, no frustration can justify lawlessness, torture, attempted murder, or extra-judicial killings.”
Constitutional Rights and Legal Authority
The coalition stressed that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to life, dignity, and fair hearing, adding that no individual or group has the legal authority to investigate, prosecute, convict, or execute suspects on the streets. It also noted that many innocent persons have lost their lives in similar incidents due to false accusations, ethnic profiling, mistaken identity, and misinformation.
“Today it was a doctor. Tomorrow it could be anybody,” the coalition stated, urging Nigerians to avoid participating in mob attacks or spreading unverified allegations capable of inciting violence.
Call for Legal Action and Public Enlightenment
NCAMKI urged vigilante groups and community security outfits to operate within the law and hand over suspects to law enforcement agencies. The coalition further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organisations to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against jungle justice.
It also called on security agencies to investigate, arrest, and prosecute all persons involved in mob violence, irrespective of their status or influence. The coalition commended the police officers who rescued the victim and prevented what it described as another possible extra-judicial killing.
“Nigeria cannot claim to uphold justice while citizens are beaten, burnt, or murdered merely on suspicion. A civilised society is governed by law, evidence, and due process, not by rumours, anger, and mob brutality,” the statement added.
