Police rescue U.S.-based Nigerian doctor from mob attack over false kidnapping allegation

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a United States-based Nigerian medical doctor from an attempted mob lynching in Ibadan following a false kidnapping alarm that sparked chaos and led to the destruction of his vehicle.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon around the Ologuneru area along the Eleyele–Ido Road in Ibadan, where the victim, identified as Dr. Afolabi, was attacked by an angry crowd after suspicions arose over the presence of two young girls inside his vehicle.

According to police authorities, the doctor was driving a Lexus RX 330 SUV when he was stopped near The Polytechnic Ibadan during a routine security check.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the misunderstanding reportedly began after bystanders noticed two teenage girls inside the vehicle who appeared frightened and struggled to communicate effectively in English or Yoruba.

The situation escalated when the doctor allegedly attempted to leave the scene after failing to immediately clarify his relationship with the minors, triggering suspicions among residents and commercial motorcyclists who believed the children were being abducted.

Witnesses said the alarm quickly spread across the area, prompting a chase by irate youths who eventually intercepted the vehicle and descended on the doctor.

Before security operatives arrived at the scene, the mob reportedly beat the victim severely and set his Lexus SUV ablaze, destroying the vehicle completely.

Police officers later intervened and rescued the doctor from the crowd moments before he was allegedly about to be set on fire.

“The suspect was successfully rescued from the enraged mob and rushed to the Police Medical Services for urgent treatment,” the police spokesperson said, adding that the victim is currently responding to treatment.

However, preliminary investigations conducted by the police later revealed that the kidnapping allegation was false.

According to investigators, the two girls — identified as Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12 — had been legally entrusted to Dr. Afolabi by a family acquaintance, Mrs. Idowu Abimbola, who intended for them to stay temporarily with the doctor’s mother to assist with domestic chores.

Police said Mrs. Abimbola subsequently visited the station and confirmed the arrangement, while the girls themselves also corroborated the account during questioning.

The incident has reignited concerns over the growing trend of mob justice and vigilante violence across parts of Nigeria, where residents sometimes take the law into their own hands based on rumors or unverified accusations.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, condemned the attack and warned residents against resorting to jungle justice.

He stressed that citizens must allow security agencies to investigate allegations properly rather than engaging in violent actions capable of endangering innocent lives.

The Command also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest individuals involved in the assault and the burning of the doctor’s vehicle.

The two minors are currently under protective custody while investigations continue.