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Ibadan mob almost lynched US-based doctor over false kidnapping allegation – Police


Before the police arrived at the scene, the man's "Lexus RX 330 SUV had already been set ablaze by the mob.

by Premium Times

The police in Oyo State have announced how they rescued a US-based medical doctor from a mob in Ibadan, the state capital.

“The incident followed a distress call received from concerned citizens alleging that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched and set ablaze by an angry mob,” the police said of the Monday incident.

Before the police arrived at the scene, the man’s “Lexus RX 330 SUV had already been set ablaze by the mob, while two young girls identified as Deborah, aged 15 years, and Rebecca, aged 12 years, found inside the vehicle, were equally taken into protective custody alongside the suspect for proper investigation.”

The police in an X post on Wednesday said their investigation showed that the man, identified as Dr Afolabi, is a US-based medical doctor and that he had “legal” custody of the two girls.

“Further findings established that the two girls found inside the vehicle were legally taken from one Mrs Idowu Abimbola, aged 56 years, of Eleyele Area, Ibadan, with the intention of delivering them to the victim’s mother for the purpose of assisting with household chores.”

PREMIUM TIMES reports that mob actions and lynching are common in many parts of Nigeria despite the repeated advice of law enforcement agencies to Nigerians. Citizens sometimes take the law into their own hands due to distrust in law enforcement agencies and a desire for instant justice.

The police said Mr Afolabi is safe and is responding to treatment.

Read the full statement by the Oyo State Police Command below.


PRESS RELEASE

OYO POLICE RESCUE MEDICAL DOCTOR FROM MOB ACTION OVER FALSE KIDNAPPING ALARM IN IBADAN

The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an unfortunate incident of mob action which occurred on Monday, 12th May 2026, at about 2:30 PM around the 2nd Powerline Area, Ologuneru, Eleyele–Ido Road, Ibadan.

The incident followed a distress call received from concerned citizens alleging that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched and set ablaze by an angry mob. Upon receipt of the information, a combined team of Patrol and Detective Officers led by the Divisional Crime Officer Eleyele Police Station (DCO) immediately mobilized to the scene where the suspect was successfully rescued from the enraged crowd. However, before the arrival of the Police, his Lexus RX 330 SUV had already been set ablaze by the mob, while two young girls identified as Deborah, aged 15 years, and Rebecca, aged 12 years, found inside the vehicle, were equally taken into protective custody alongside the suspect for proper investigation.

Preliminary investigation subsequently revealed that the victim, identified as Dr. Afolabi, is a medical doctor practicing in the United States of America and not a kidnapper as falsely alleged in several misleading social media reports currently being circulated. Further findings established that the two girls found inside the vehicle were legally taken from one Mrs. Idowu Abimbola, aged 56 years, of Eleyele Area, Ibadan, with the intention of delivering them to the victim’s mother for the purpose of assisting with household chores.

In the course of investigation, Mrs. Idowu Abimbola was invited to the station where she confirmed the arrangement, while the two girls equally corroborated the account and related freely with the said woman, thereby dispelling the suspicion of abduction.

Further investigation revealed that the misunderstanding which triggered the false kidnapping alarm began when Dr. Afolabi attempted to gain access through the Polytechnic gate and was stopped by a security guard for routine vehicle inspection. Upon lowering the vehicle’s window glass, the two girls were allegedly seen half-naked, a situation which immediately aroused suspicion among bystanders and security personnel. It was gathered that the victim’s inability to provide satisfactory answers to questions asked at the scene, coupled with his decision to turn away from the checkpoint, further heightened suspicion. The situation was compounded by the inability of the two girls to speak the local language or properly express themselves in English, thereby fueling the false alarm of kidnapping.

The development consequently led to a mob chase and eventual interception of the victim by irate youths who reportedly ignored all explanations offered by him and descended heavily on him, inflicting severe bodily injuries before the timely intervention of the Police. The victim was immediately rushed to the Police Medical Services for urgent medical attention and is currently responding to treatment.

Meanwhile, statements have been obtained from eyewitnesses, including an Okada rider allegedly hit during the ensuing confusion, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the mob action and destruction of property.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, has strongly condemned the act of jungle justice and the deliberate spread of false and unverified information capable of creating unnecessary tension and undermining the significant security gains recorded across the State. The CP warned that resorting to self-help, mob violence, and the circulation of misleading narratives on social media remain serious threats to public peace, law and order, and could ultimately reverse the progress made in sustaining security and public confidence within the State.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/879108-ibadan-mob-almost-lynched-us-based-doctor-over-false-kidnapping-allegation-police.html

Nigeria. What a country and citizenry.

1. Misunderstanding began when the doctor attempted to gain access through the Polytechnic gate and was stopped by a security guard for routine checks.

2. According to the Command, suspicion was triggered after the girls were allegedly seen “half-naked” inside the vehicle when the doctor lowered the car window during the inspection.

3. The situation reportedly worsened when Dr. Afolabi could not provide satisfactory answers to questions from bystanders and later attempted to leave the checkpoint, leading to heightened suspicion among residents.

4. The police added that the inability of the two girls to communicate effectively in Yoruba or English further fuelled the false kidnapping alarm.

The highlighted four points shows the doctor brought the tragedy upon himself. If he had listened and patiently answered the security officer at the polytechnic gate, this won't happen to him.

Say No To Jungle Justice.

Zoo republic. What a country. Mtchewwww.

Nation of beasts...what a country

So who will pay for the car that the bastards burnt?

That country is filled with low IQ people. That's just the truth.

Wetin go ever bring me to this wicked jungle after I japa

He is lucky
He would have been killed


Say no to jungle justice ooooooo

Jungle justice that couldn't be given to the political class is rubbish n should be stopped.
Moob action is always wrong in all ramifications.

Sigh... This Doctor will not set foot in this country again.

This level of unintelligent barbarism among the so called most relogiious and welcoming people on Earth remains hard to live down.

The Aluu 4 would be alive today and maybe doing great things in society if their fellow citizens understood that Justice should only be served if guilt has been fully and firmly established without room for doubt.

To descend on someone and even proceed to MURDER the person in the most brutal fashion ever known to man is beyond animal behaviour.


If I talk say an average Nigerian is not mentally okay, some of una go dey abuse me.

Shebi una dey see am... Small shout of thief, una don descend on the person with the sole intent to inflict pain and murder!

Wicked souls!!!

So the guy been dey transport those young girls into slavery?

How can you legally take 12 and 15 year old half naked girls? And you talk say na chores dem dey go do?

Abeg, I am with the mob on this one (not the jungle justice). That doctor is either a pedo or slave trader. In any sane society, he would be locked 🔐 up for a very long time based on his own account. But, na Nigeria we dey. That doc cannot try that nonsense in the USA. Him sef know.

Spits

madridguy:
1. Misunderstanding began when the doctor attempted to gain access through the Polytechnic gate and was stopped by a security guard for routine checks.

2. According to the Command, suspicion was triggered after the girls were allegedly seen “half-naked” inside the vehicle when the doctor lowered the car window during the inspection.

3. The situation reportedly worsened when Dr. Afolabi could not provide satisfactory answers to questions from bystanders and later attempted to leave the checkpoint, leading to heightened suspicion among residents.

4. The police added that the inability of the two girls to communicate effectively in Yoruba or English further fuelled the false kidnapping alarm.

The highlighted four points shows the doctor brought the tragedy upon himself. If he had listened and patiently answered the security officer at the polytechnic gate, this won't happen to him.

Say No To Jungle Justice.

Your epistle and attempt at justifying this is weak and irritating...!

Sometimes, shelve your need for misplaced Patriotism and face facts.

What happened to holding him till law enforcement arrived?!! What right does any citizen have to commit MURDER?!!

Average citizens have become increasingly distrustful of law enforcement and due process, and have become so bloodthirsty that savagely lynching and horrifically killing people suspected of crimes is now normal to some of you.

This is a glaring pointer to a collapsed and failed system in the nation... But, you would rather find a way to justify it and even blame the victim.

Just anything to make your leadership feel or look good.

Hmmmm I jus hope the story coret....


Cause na same people dey run organ harvest...

Na Dr facilitate Ekeramadu Pikin Donor...

HPS3:
So who will pay for the car that the bastards burnt?

Pay who? Police will be busy collecting their own share

madridguy:
1. Misunderstanding began when the doctor attempted to gain access through the Polytechnic gate and was stopped by a security guard for routine checks.

2. According to the Command, suspicion was triggered after the girls were allegedly seen “half-naked” inside the vehicle when the doctor lowered the car window during the inspection.

3. The situation reportedly worsened when Dr. Afolabi could not provide satisfactory answers to questions from bystanders and later attempted to leave the checkpoint, leading to heightened suspicion among residents.

4. The police added that the inability of the two girls to communicate effectively in Yoruba or English further fuelled the false kidnapping alarm.

The highlighted four points shows the doctor brought the tragedy upon himself. If he had listened and patiently answered the security officer at the polytechnic gate, this won't happen to him.

Say No To Jungle Justice.

My major concern is your No-02, it's still not clear how they the children will be half naked and NO-04 , how could a security personnel working in Ibadan not understand the local dialect & a medical doctor in USA is unable to identify himself.

I perceive cover up in this story

madridguy:
1. Misunderstanding began when the doctor attempted to gain access through the Polytechnic gate and was stopped by a security guard for routine checks.

2. According to the Command, suspicion was triggered after the girls were allegedly seen “half-naked” inside the vehicle when the doctor lowered the car window during the inspection.

3. The situation reportedly worsened when Dr. Afolabi could not provide satisfactory answers to questions from bystanders and later attempted to leave the checkpoint, leading to heightened suspicion among residents.

4. The police added that the inability of the two girls to communicate effectively in Yoruba or English further fuelled the false kidnapping alarm.

The highlighted four points shows the doctor brought the tragedy upon himself. If he had listened and patiently answered the security officer at the polytechnic gate, this won't happen to him.

Say No To Jungle Justice.

After blaming the victim, you attempted to exonerate yourself with the last line
What happened to arresting him and putting him under detention till he can explain himself properly
What if he had a panic attack due to the angry looking mob and lost composure? You mean anyone who can't explain himself out of a dangerous looking situation has only himself to blame for the outcome?
Your kind of reasoning is dangerous to civilized society

Video

A medical doctor based in the United States narrowly escaped de@th after an angry mob in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, allegedly att@cked him over a false k!dnapping allegation, setting his vehicle ablaze before police officers intervened. pic.twitter.com/v9TiD26BQq

— Star Potter (@Starpotternews) May 13, 2026

Angelfrost:
Your epistle and attempt at justifying this is weak and irritating...!

Sometimes, shelve your need for misplaced Patriotism and face facts.

What happened to holding him till law enforcement arrived?!! What right does any citizen have to commit MURDER?!!

Average citizens have become increasingly distrustful of law enforcement and due process, and have become so bloodthirsty that savagely lynching and horrifically killing people suspected of crimes is now normal to some of you.

How about the police collects bribe and turns him loose? And if he pays enough money they'll let him keep the kidnapped victims (assuming he truly kidnapped them)

QuinQ:
How about the police collects bribe and turn him loose? And if he pays enough money they'll let him keep the kidnapped victims (assuming he truly kidnapped them)

Every word you posted up there is heavily enclosed in ASSUMPTIONS.

...And assumptions make the perfect foundation for failure and preventable issues.

Jungle Justice should be declared by the Senate as equal to murder and those engaging in it should be imprisoned for life... Simple!!!


Catch someone in the act, and let the law take it from there.

More innocent people die from jungle justice worldwide than actually guilty ones.

JohnBullMySon:
That country is filled with low IQ people. That's just the truth.

smart guy any reasonable person will understand you clearly 😉

Angelfrost:
Every word you posted up there is heavily enclosed in ASSUMPTIONS.

...And assumptions make the perfect foundation for failure and preventable issues.

Jungle Justice should be declared by the Senate as equal to murder and those engaging in it should be imprisoned for life... Simple!!!


Catch someone in the act, and let the law take it from there.

More innocent people die from jungle justice worldwide than actually guilty ones.

Ok, not worldwide but Nigeria in particular. What'll be your suggestion to citizens if they keep catching the same person and Police keeps releasing them?

QuinQ:
Ok, not worldwide but Nigeria in particular. What'll be your suggestion to citizens if they keep catching the same person and Police keeps releasing them?

Write a full blown petition, online and offline against the Force starting from the IGP... Petition the Attorney General.

Within a week... Something would be done.

In today's day and age, voices are not hidden or ignored anymore.

The doctor deserved what he got. Where did he go to get legal papers to have a twelve and a fifteen year old to do house chores for his mother? They didn't have clothes to travel...travelling half naked ... were they going to be helping half naked? ...and having no change of clothes? He is based in the US ... regardless if he's doctor or burglar ... he should know better than to even consider having half clad minors in his vehicle. Worse ... he ought to know the kidnapping situation in Nigeria period . Why wouldn't the mob be after him when he tried to get away? Obviously he was up to no good .... they should squeeze his balls to letthe liar speak the truth. I strongly suspect he's a pedophile.... he's taking them somewhere for organ harvesting ....or for rituals. I guess he felt his status gave him immunity....driving a Lexus ...a medical doctor ...a medical doctor based in the US...who will dare challenge him?

Big shout out to Gateman David for slaying Doctor Goliath.

Thanks so much for this submission. I have always wondered why a sane human being will leave the pepertrator and start blaming the victim. Nigerians way of thinking tire me.

Kukutente23:
After blaming the victim, you attempted to exonerate yourself with the last line
What happened to arresting him and putting him under detention till he can explain himself properly
What if he had a panic attack due to the angry looking mob and lost composure? You mean anyone who can't explain himself out of a dangerous looking situation has only himself to blame for the outcome?
Your kind of reasoning is dangerous to civilized society

Having a 12 and 15 years old girl half naked inside your car is very weird. This doctor thought he would get away with anything in Nigeria. He would have been arrested in the US for that too. Even if it's your 15 year old daughter, talk less strangers.

He is lucky to be alive.

Angelfrost:
Write a full blown petition, online and offline against the Force starting from the IGP... Petition the Attorney General.

Within a week... Something would be done.

In today's day and age, voices are not hidden or ignored anymore.

Citizens have done much more than that. People have even lost lives and limbs. Remember end SARS?

I do not support jungle killing but the so called doctor is guilty.just sad how people supported this simply because he's a doc and base in US.

QuinQ:
Citizens have done much more than that. People have even lost lives and limbs. Remember end SARS?

Nope... They have not! I know for a fact that we don't unite to solve problems intelligently as Nigerians.

We mostly unite when it's time for mischief and evil.

When have we ever united to fight against corruption?!! When have we ever united with one voice to demand an end to terrorism across the nation?!!

Jungle justice is not solely a response to poor law enforcement... It is largely a transfer of wicked aggression upon fellow citizens.

How many of the victims of jungle justice do you know are repeat offenders?!! Be honest.

Some of us don't even know the people or have the slightest shred of evidence that they committed any crimes before descending on them.


We are just as corrupt and lawless as the very institutions we accuse.

Angelfrost:
Nope... They have not! I know for a fact that we don't unite to solve problems intelligently as Nigerians.

We mostly unite when it's time for mischief and evil.

When have we ever united to fight against corruption?!! When have we ever united with one voice to demand an end to terrorism across the nation?!!

Jungle justice is not solely a response to poor law enforcement... It is largely a transfer of wicked aggression upon fellow citizens.

How many of the victims of jungle justice do you know are repeat offenders?!! Be honest.

Some of us don't even know the people or have the slightest shred of evidence that they committed any crimes before descending on them.


We are just as corrupt and lawless as the very institutions we accuse.

I was just playing Devil's advocate. Of course Jungle justice is unacceptable under any circumstances. Better a thousand guilty men go free than one innocent man be killed