Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
On 29th January 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Utako Police Division received a distress call reporting that an irate mob had apprehended and was assaulting two of the suspected criminals. Acting swiftly on the report, police operatives from Utako Division immediately dispatched to the scene, where two male suspects identified as Kefas Akaye and Uya Ugwowere were rescued from the crowd. This was contained in a statement signed by SP. Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, Abuja.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the rescued suspects are members of a four-man gang involved in “one chance” robbery operations within the Federal Capital Territory. Further investigations revealed that they come into the FCT from Uke, Nasarawa State, to perpetrate their criminal activities. Two other members of the gang, identified simply as Mary and Aisha (surnames yet to be confirmed), had escaped the scene during the commotion.
The statement also reads: “While investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members, 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.
“Members of the public are enjoined to exercise restraint and promptly report suspected criminal activities to the nearest police formation or contact the FCT Police Command through the following emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883,” it also added.
END
