Police Intervene to Rescue Suspected 'One-Chance' Robbers from Angry Mob in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully intervened to rescue two individuals suspected of being 'one-chance' robbery operators from a violent mob attack in Abuja. This swift action followed an urgent distress call received by law enforcement officers, highlighting the ongoing challenges of urban crime and vigilantism in Nigeria's capital.
Incident Details and Police Response
The alarming event unfolded on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m. at Berger bridge in Wuse Zone 2, a bustling area of Abuja. Officers stationed at the Utako Police Division were promptly alerted to a situation where an angry crowd had apprehended and was physically assaulting two men believed to be involved in criminal activities. Without delay, police operatives were deployed to the scene, where they managed to extract the suspects from the hostile mob, thereby preventing potential fatalities.
Identification and Gang Connections
Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, confirmed the incident and identified the rescued suspects as Kefas Akaye and Uya Ugwowere, both males. Preliminary investigations conducted by the police have revealed that these individuals are allegedly members of a four-person gang engaged in 'one-chance' robbery operations across the Federal Capital Territory. This modus operandi typically involves criminals posing as commercial vehicle operators to rob unsuspecting passengers.
Further details emerged indicating that the suspects reportedly travel from Uke in Nasarawa State into the FCT to carry out their illicit activities, underscoring the cross-border nature of such crimes. During the commotion at Berger bridge, two other members of the gang, identified only as Mary and Aisha, managed to escape. Adeh emphasized that ongoing efforts are being made to track down and apprehend these fleeing suspects to ensure comprehensive justice.
Police Condemnation of Mob Justice
In a strong statement, the FCT Police Command commended residents for their vigilance in identifying suspicious behavior but firmly condemned acts of jungle justice and mob violence. The command warned that such actions could lead to severe consequences, including:
- The potential loss of innocent lives due to mistaken identity or excessive force.
- Destruction of vital evidence that is crucial for thorough police investigations.
- Obstruction of the justice process, thereby undermining legal proceedings and accountability.
Residents were urged to exercise restraint and instead report any suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station or contact the FCT Police Command via its emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883. This approach ensures that criminal elements are dealt with through lawful means, preserving the integrity of the justice system.
Commitment to Public Safety
The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Abuja. By rescuing the suspects from the mob, the police demonstrated their dedication to upholding the rule of law and bringing criminals to justice through proper legal channels. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement agencies to combat crime effectively while avoiding the pitfalls of extrajudicial actions.
