Suspected Child Trafficker Escapes Jungle Justice
But for the timely response to a distress call by operatives of the Surulere Police Division in Lagos, a 22-year-old man would have bitten more than he could chew, as a mob descended on him for allegedly stealing a teenager.
The suspect, Ayomide Fawehinmi, according to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspect had successfully lured the victim, a 15-year-old boy, from his mother’s shop and was taking him away when a vigilant neighbour suspected a foul play and raised the alarm.
According to the release, “the suspect had already dispossessed the boy of an Itel android phone, to cut off communication with his mother”.
The incident, which took place in the Empire area of Surulere, attracted a mob that was on the verge of passing instant judgment on the suspect but was saved by some informed members of the public who alerted the police.
“While the boy has been rescued unhurt, and the phone recovered, investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s culpability”, the Lagos police spokesman. said, adding that “the suspect would be arraigned contingent on the outcome of the investigation”.
Meanwhile, according to the release, “The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, has commended residents of Lagos State for always promptly alerting the authorities on suspicious person/happenings.
The CP has consequently sternly warned members of the public to desist from jungle justice, as it is a crime in itself.
