A suspected phone snatcher in Lagos died in the hospital after being rescued from a mob attack. Police are investigating the incident
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the death of a suspected armed robber who was beaten by an angry mob before being rescued by officers.
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The suspect, accused of snatching mobile phones from commuters, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital after the attack at Akerele Junction, Agege.
According to police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, the incident occurred on March 15.
A distress call alerted officers from the Isokoko Division about a suspect who had been caught and severely beaten by bystanders.
“The suspect was apprehended and beaten to a stupor by an angry mob, who were on the verge of lynching him.
Upon receiving the report, police teams swiftly deployed to the scene. The mob fled upon sighting the police,” Hundeyin stated.
The suspect was rushed to the hospital for treatment but later died.
Preliminary investigations revealed that he and his accomplices—who are still at large—allegedly stabbed a middle-aged woman before robbing her of her phone.
The victim was taken to the hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment.
The police have visited the hospital and examined the victim.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s body has been transferred to a public morgue by the Lagos State Health and Monitoring Unit.
Authorities have launched an investigation to apprehend other members of the criminal gang and individuals involved in the mob attack.
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The police have also reiterated warnings against jungle justice, urging residents to report crimes rather than taking the law into their own hands.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
