Confusion trails arrest of kidnap, robbery suspects in Ikorodu

Confusion yesterday trailed the fate of suspected kidnappers apprehended by a mob in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

The Guardian learnt that the suspects said to be tricycle drivers, allegedly attempted to rob a car dealer while pretending to purchase a vehicle.

It was learnt that the incident occurred on Tuesday along the Ebute Igbogbo Road, a busy thoroughfare known for its heavy traffic.

But their plan was thwarted when a soldier, who had allegedly fallen victim to their scheme, intervened and caught them.

It was gathered that the suspects confessed to numerous criminal activities, revealing a pattern of robbery and kidnapping in various locations.

They also claimed to have been perpetrating these crimes in different places, striking fear into the community.

Commuters subsequently overpowered the suspects and meted instant justice on them.

However, there is confusion about what happened to the suspects after they were taken away.

While some claimed they were thrown into the lagoon, others believed they were handed over to the police.

An eyewitness and a vulcaniser, Seyi and Olu, told The Guardian that the suspects were thrown into the lagoon.

A viral video uploaded yesterday on X, formerly Twitter, by a user known as B1G ZIM identified the suspects as Sodiq, Sikuru, and Tunde.

The suspects were all in their mid-20s and allegedly attempted to abduct a local car vendor in broad daylight.

Their brazen act was reportedly thwarted when vigilant commuters in the area noticed the situation and intervened.

The video showed the suspects pleading for mercy as they were subdued by the enraged mob and beaten to a stupor.

The incident sparked widespread discussion online, with many expressing concern over the rising levels of insecurity in Lagos, particularly the alarming frequency of kidnappings and robberies.

It also reignited debates over the growing trend of mob justice, with some advocating caution and others lauding the commuters’ actions.

Confirming the incident, spokesperson for Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said three suspects, whose ages ranged from 23 to 33, were arrested on Tuesday shortly after the incident.

“Efforts are on to arrest two other suspects who escaped during the raid,” he said.