US-Based Doctor Rescued From Mob Over False Kidnap Allegation

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a United States-based medical doctor from an angry mob following a false kidnapping alarm in Ibadan, the state capital.

The incident occurred on Monday at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the 2nd Powerline Area, along the Ologuneru-Eleyele-Ido Road axis in Ibadan.

According to the police, officers attached to the Eleyele Police Station responded swiftly to a distress call reporting that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched and set ablaze by an irate mob.

A combined team of patrol and detective officers, led by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), mobilised to the scene and rescued the suspect, identified as Dr Afolabi. However, before the arrival of the police, the mob had already set his Lexus RX 330 SUV ablaze.

Two young girls, Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12, who were found inside the vehicle, were also taken into protective custody alongside the doctor for investigation.

Preliminary findings by the police later revealed that Dr Afolabi is a medical practitioner based in the United States and not a kidnapper as alleged in widely circulated social media reports.

The police further disclosed that the two girls had been legally handed over to the doctor by one Mrs Idowu Abimbola, 56, of the Eleyele area of Ibadan, to assist the doctor’s mother with household chores.

During interrogation, Mrs Abimbola reportedly confirmed the arrangement, while the two girls corroborated her account and freely identified with her, dispelling suspicions of abduction.

Investigations showed that the misunderstanding started when Dr Afolabi attempted to pass through the Polytechnic gate and was stopped by a security guard for routine checks.

Police said suspicion arose after the girls were allegedly seen half-naked when the doctor lowered the vehicle’s window. His inability to provide satisfactory explanations, coupled with his decision to leave the checkpoint, reportedly heightened suspicion among bystanders and security personnel.

The situation worsened because the girls were unable to communicate effectively in English or the local language, prompting onlookers to raise a false kidnapping alarm.

The false alarm triggered a mob chase which ended with the doctor being intercepted and severely beaten by angry youths who allegedly ignored his explanations.

The police said the victim sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to the Police Medical Services for treatment, where he is currently responding.

Statements have since been obtained from eyewitnesses, including an Okada rider reportedly hit during the confusion, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the mob action and destruction of property.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, condemned jungle justice and the spread of false information capable of causing panic and undermining security efforts in the state.

He warned residents against taking the law into their hands or circulating unverified claims on social media, stressing that such actions threaten public peace and confidence in law enforcement.