The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a United States-based medical doctor from a mob attack in Ibadan after he was wrongly accused of involvement in a kidnapping incident.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on Monday at the Second Powerline Area of Ologuneru along the Eleyele–Ido Road, following a distress alert raised by residents who alleged that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched by an angry crowd.
A combined team of patrol and detective officers, led by the Divisional Crime Officer of the Eleyele Police Station, was swiftly deployed to the scene and succeeded in rescuing the suspect from the mob.
However, before the arrival of the police, the victim’s Lexus RX 330 SUV had already been set ablaze by the irate crowd. Two girls found inside the vehicle, identified as Deborah (15) and Rebecca (12), were also taken into protective custody alongside the suspect for investigation.
Preliminary Findings
Preliminary findings by the police indicated that the victim, identified as Dr. Afolabi, is a medical practitioner based in the United States and not a kidnapper, as earlier alleged in viral social media reports.
The command further stated that the two girls were lawfully entrusted to the doctor by one Mrs. Idowu Abimbola, 56, of the Eleyele area, to be taken to his mother for assistance with domestic chores. Mrs. Abimbola, who was later invited for questioning, reportedly confirmed the arrangement, while the girls also corroborated her account.
How the Misunderstanding Began
According to police findings, the misunderstanding began when Dr. Afolabi attempted to pass through the Polytechnic gate, where he was stopped for routine vehicle inspection by security operatives. Suspicion was said to have been raised after the vehicle window was lowered and the two girls were seen inside, while the doctor reportedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations at the scene.
The situation was further aggravated when the children were unable to communicate fluently in either English or the local language, prompting fears of abduction among bystanders.
The tension escalated into a mob chase, during which the doctor was intercepted, assaulted and his vehicle torched before police intervention restored order. He was later rushed to the Police Medical Services for treatment and is said to be responding.
Police Response and Investigation
Meanwhile, the police confirmed that statements have been taken from eyewitnesses, including an okada rider injured during the confusion, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those involved in the mob action and destruction of property.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, condemned the incident, describing jungle justice and the spread of unverified information as threats to public order and security.
He warned against mob action and misinformation, noting that such conduct undermines public safety and the gains recorded in crime control within the state. The police chief ordered a full investigation into the incident and directed the arrest and prosecution of all persons involved in the attack.
The command urged residents to remain law-abiding and to report suspicious activities to security agencies rather than resorting to self-help or violence. The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law.
