A United States-based medical doctor, identified as Dr. Afolabi, has been rescued by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command after he was wrongly accused of kidnapping and attacked by a mob in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to the police, the incident occurred on Monday around the Ologuneru axis along the Eleyele–Ido Road when a false alarm triggered panic and led to a violent mob action.
Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, explained that officers from the Eleyele Division responded to a distress call reporting that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched and set ablaze.
On arrival, the police successfully rescued the victim, but his SUV had already been set on fire by the angry crowd.
Two teenage girls found inside the vehicle aged 15 and 12 were also taken into protective custody for investigation.
Preliminary findings by the police revealed that the doctor was not involved in any kidnapping activity.
It was established that the girls were lawfully entrusted to him by a woman identified as Mrs. Idowu Abimbola, to assist in domestic arrangements for his mother.
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The situation reportedly escalated after the doctor was stopped at a security checkpoint, where suspicion was raised due to misunderstandings involving communication barriers and viral claims of suspicious activity.
The tension quickly spread, leading to a mob chase and physical attack on the doctor before police intervention.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, condemned the incident, describing it as an act of jungle justice fueled by misinformation.
He warned residents against taking laws into their own hands and against spreading unverified reports capable of causing public unrest.
The police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to identify and arrest all individuals involved in the attack and destruction of property.
Dr. Afolabi is currently receiving medical attention and is said to be responding to treatment.
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