A football coach identified as Gaso was rescued by police officers after he was allegedly assaulted and publicly paraded by members of a local vigilante group over claims that he mysteriously stole another man’s manhood in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident gained attention after a video circulated on social media showing the coach with his hands tied while being questioned and physically attacked by members of the vigilante group.
According to the complainant, Gaso had approached him to request transport fare to Okrika. The man claimed he offered to pay for the journey directly at a nearby motor park instead of handing over cash.
He further alleged that shortly after the encounter, he noticed changes to his manhood and raised an alarm, accusing the coach of being responsible.
Gaso, however, strongly denied the allegation, insisting he had done nothing wrong. Despite his denial, the crowd reportedly turned against him before police officers intervened.
A relative of the coach, Solomon Ogan, condemned the actions of the vigilante members, stating that Gaso was severely beaten and sustained injuries before being rescued by the police. He described the accusation as baseless and argued that no one should be subjected to mob justice without evidence.
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Human rights advocate Prince Wiro also criticised the alleged assault, describing it as a violation of the victim’s fundamental rights. He called for the immediate release of the coach and urged authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
Wiro noted that claims of a person’s manhood disappearing through touch or supernatural means lack medical and scientific backing, stressing that such allegations should not be used to justify violence.
Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Command said officers rescued the victim from a mob and placed him in protective custody while investigations continue. The police also warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, emphasising that jungle justice remains a criminal offence.
Authorities have assured the public that the matter is under investigation and that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
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