Four persons have been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command in connection with the alleged mob killing of a 21-year-old man, Emmanuel Effiong, in Uyo.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the suspects allegedly beat the victim to death before secretly burying his body in a shallow grave.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Effiong was accused of stealing chickens and eggs from a poultry farm located along Mbak 4 Community in Uyo Local Government Area on April 19.
John said the victim was allegedly attacked with sticks and machetes by a group of individuals, resulting in his death.
She explained that the investigation began after the police received credible intelligence, alongside a viral video showing the deceased being brutally assaulted.
The police spokesperson said the footage captured the victim lying in a pool of blood with his hands and legs tied before he was dragged beside a white Mitsubishi pick-up van.
She noted that police operatives launched an intensive investigation, which led to the arrest of four principal suspects linked to the incident.
Investigators also recovered key exhibits connected to the alleged crime, including the Mitsubishi pick-up van believed to have been used during the attack.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Azare, condemned the act and warned against jungle justice.
He stressed that anyone apprehended for committing an offence should be handed over to the police or other lawful authorities for proper investigation and prosecution, rather than subjected to mob action.
Azare reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law across the state.
