By Sarah NEGEDU
Police operatives on Wednesday rescued two suspected members of a “one chance” robbery gang from an angry mob in the Utako area of the Federal Capital Territory, after a distress call was received around 11:00 a.m.
The suspects, identified as Kefas Akaye and Uya Ugwowere, were reportedly apprehended and assaulted by residents before operatives of the Utako Division arrived to pull them out of the crowd.
In a statement on Thursday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said preliminary investigations showed that the duo are part of a four-man syndicate that enters the FCT from Uke, Nasarawa State, to carry out coordinated robbery operations.
She stated that two female members of the gang, identified simply as Mary and Aisha, escaped during the commotion and are currently being trailed by investigators.
The Command condemned the mob attack, warning that jungle justice compromises investigations, destroys evidence saying, “the FCT Police Command strongly condemns all acts of jungle justice and mob violence. The Command emphasizes that the assault or lynching of suspects not only endangers innocent lives but also compromises investigations by destroying critical evidence and hindering the identification and arrest of accomplices.
“Such unlawful actions ultimately undermine the justice process and deny victims and society the benefits of lawful prosecution and possible restitution of stolen property.”
Residents were therefore urged to exercise restraint and promptly report suspicious activity to the nearest police formation or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883.
