Kwara police arrest suspected child kidnapper, prevent mob justice
Kwara State Police Command said it had apprehended a suspected child kidnapper in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
The suspect, whose identity remains unknown but who claimed to be from Osun State, was caught during a routine patrol operation conducted by police operatives in collaboration with community vigilante members.
This intervention was crucial as the suspect was on the verge of being lynched by an angry mob that accused him of attempting to kidnap a child.
Details of the arrest
The incident unfolded around 7:00 PM when police and vigilante members responded to reports of suspicious activity. Upon their arrival, they found that the suspect had already been detained by local residents who were preparing to administer “jungle justice,” a term used to describe mob violence where individuals take the law into their own hands without due process.
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The police acted swiftly to rescue him from this potentially fatal situation.
According to statements from police spokesperson SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, investigations are ongoing to determine the facts surrounding the allegations against the suspect and to identify any accomplices involved in this case. Notably, those who initially reported the incident have yet to come forward at the command headquarters to provide additional information that could assist in clarifying the circumstances of the alleged kidnapping attempt.
Public response and police stance
The Kwara State Police Command reiterated its strong opposition to mob actions and jungle justice. They emphasized that such acts are unlawful and can lead to miscarriages of justice. The police urged community members to report any suspicious activities directly to law enforcement rather than resorting to violence or self-help measures.
Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo expressed his commitment to ensuring public safety and upholding justice within legal frameworks. He highlighted that protecting lives and property is paramount and reassured citizens that thorough investigations would be conducted regarding this incident.
