A 22-year-old suspected burglar has been lynched by an irate mob in Oke-Sokori, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, after allegedly breaking into an auto dealer’s premises to steal vehicle parts.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday during the environmental sanitation period, reportedly escalated after the suspect—identified simply as Lekan—was caught in the act by a security guard and nearby residents.
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect gained access to the car lot through a small gate that had been left open to allow potential customers make inquiries despite the sanitation exercise.
A security guard attached to the facility, Quadri Bankole, said he was alerted by a vulcanizer’s apprentice who noticed suspicious movement within the premises.
Upon rushing to the scene, Bankole reportedly found the suspect behind the office building, attempting to pack abandoned motor parts into a sack. When questioned, the suspect allegedly claimed he was searching for used plastic bottles.
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Residents, however, linked the suspect to previous theft incidents in the area, including the disappearance of a generator belonging to a local tailor weeks earlier. This reportedly fueled anger among community members, who descended on him and beat him severely.
Another eyewitness, a vulcanizer identified as Sogo Olorunfemi, confirmed that the suspect had broken into the lot around 9 a.m. and was seen tampering with parked vehicles and attempting to access the dealer’s office.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control as a mob gathered and carried out jungle justice, leaving the suspect with fatal injuries.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the growing trend of mob action and the need for residents to allow law enforcement agencies handle criminal matters.
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