The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a United States-based medical doctor, identified as Dr. Afolabi, from an enraged mob after he was falsely accused of kidnapping in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The incident occurred on Monday around 2:30 p.m. at the 2nd Powerline Area, Ologuneru, along the Eleyele-Ido Road, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
Police said officers acted swiftly after receiving a distress call that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched and burnt alive by residents.
A combined team of patrol and detective officers led by the Divisional Crime Officer of Eleyele Police Station reportedly stormed the scene and rescued the victim from the violent crowd.
However, before the arrival of the police, the mob had already set ablaze the victim’s Lexus RX 330 SUV. Two young girls, Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12, who were inside the vehicle, were also taken into protective custody alongside the doctor for investigation.
According to preliminary findings, Dr. Afolabi is a medical practitioner based in the United States and not a kidnapper as widely alleged in viral social media reports.
Police investigations revealed that the two girls were legally released to the doctor by one Mrs. Idowu Abimbola, 56, for the purpose of taking them to assist the victim’s mother with household chores.
The police said Mrs. Abimbola later confirmed the arrangement at the station, while the two girls also corroborated her account, dismissing suspicions of abduction.
Olayinka explained that the misunderstanding began when Dr. Afolabi attempted to pass through the Polytechnic gate and was stopped by security personnel for a routine vehicle check.
According to him, suspicion was triggered after the girls were allegedly seen half-naked when the doctor lowered the vehicle’s windows.
“The victim’s inability to provide satisfactory answers at the scene and his decision to turn away from the checkpoint further heightened suspicion,” the police spokesman stated.
He added that the situation worsened because the girls could neither speak the local language nor communicate effectively in English, fueling fears among residents that a kidnapping was in progress.
The false alarm reportedly led to a mob chase, during which angry youths intercepted the doctor, ignored his explanations, and brutally assaulted him before police intervention.
The victim sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the Police Medical Services for treatment. Authorities said he is responding to medical care.
Police added that statements had been obtained from eyewitnesses, including an okada rider allegedly hit during the confusion, while efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the mob attack and destruction of property.
Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, condemned the mob action and the spread of false information capable of inciting tension and undermining security.
He warned residents against jungle justice, self-help, and the circulation of unverified reports on social media, stressing that such actions pose a serious threat to public peace and order.
The commissioner also ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and directed the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the attack.
