FCT police rescued two robbery suspects from a violent mob in Utako, warning residents against jungle justice and emphasising lawful reporting
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has rescued two suspected “one chance” robbers from a violent mob in Utako and issued a stern warning against the practice of jungle justice.
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The suspects, identified as Kefas Akaye and Uya Ugwowere, were intercepted on Thursday morning by police operatives following a distress call to the Utako Police Division at approximately 11:00 AM.
Officers arrived to find the suspects being assaulted by an irate crowd and successfully extracted them before injuries escalated.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects are members of a four-man gang that uses the “one chance” modus operandi, posing as commercial drivers and passengers to rob, assault, or kidnap victims.
Two other gang members, identified only as Mary and Aisha, escaped during the commotion.
SP Adeh emphasised that mob violence endangers lives, compromises investigations, and hinders the apprehension of accomplices. “Such unlawful actions ultimately undermine the justice process and deny victims and society the benefits of lawful prosecution and possible restitution of stolen property,” she said.
Authorities urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The FCT Police Command has previously arrested suspects linked to “one chance” operations, including those involved in the killing of legal practitioner Chigbo Princess, whose body was recovered along Kubwa Expressway earlier this month.
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The police continue to investigate the Utako incident and are working to apprehend the gang members who fled.
