Suspects allegedly beat 21-year-old Emmanuel Effiong to death over theft accusation before burying his body in a shallow grave

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged mob killing of Emmanuel Effiong, a 21-year-old man who was reportedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing chickens and eggs before his body was secretly buried in a shallow grave.

Also read: Major blow to crime: Akwa Ibom police take down Itu drug hubs

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Uyo on Friday, saying the arrests followed an intensive investigation launched after the command received credible intelligence and a viral video depicting the assault.

According to the police, preliminary findings showed that the incident occurred on April 19 at a poultry farm along Mbak 4 Community in Uyo Local Government Area, where Effiong was allegedly accused of stealing poultry and eggs.

Investigators alleged that the victim was attacked with sticks and machetes by a group of individuals, resulting in fatal injuries.

John said the investigation gathered momentum after officers obtained a disturbing video that captured the victim in the final moments of the assault.

“In the disturbing footage, the victim was seen lying helpless in a pool of blood with his hands and legs tied, before being dragged on the ground beside a white Mitsubishi pick-up van,” she said.

The police spokesperson said operatives acted swiftly on the intelligence, leading to the arrest of four principal suspects believed to have played key roles in the incident.

She added that detectives also recovered critical exhibits connected to the investigation, including the white Mitsubishi pick-up van allegedly used during the commission of the offence.

The Akwa Ibom mob killing has renewed concerns over the persistence of mob justice in parts of Nigeria, despite repeated warnings from law enforcement agencies against taking the law into private hands.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Azare, strongly condemned the alleged killing and reiterated that criminal allegations should be handled through lawful channels.

According to him, anyone apprehended for a suspected offence should be handed over to the police or other authorised agencies for proper investigation and prosecution rather than subjected to extrajudicial punishment.

The commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are brought before the courts.

Cases of mob justice have continued to attract widespread condemnation across Nigeria, with security agencies and human rights advocates warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and frequently result in the deaths of suspects before allegations against them can be properly investigated or determined by the courts.

Also read: Akwa Ibom police arrest suspected ritualist for supplying charms to armed robbers

Police said investigations into the killing are continuing and indicated that additional arrests may be made if further evidence links other individuals to the crime.