Ogun State: Police Intervene as Mob Targets Suspected Robber Post PoS Attack

Suspected Robber Rescued by Ogun Police After Mob Attack During PoS Robbery

On December 27, 2024, the Ogun State Police Command rescued a 21-year-old suspect, Adebayo Okokiola, from a mob attack in the Awowo area of Ewekoro Local Government Area.

Okokiola, allegedly known for targeting Point of Sale (PoS) operators, was apprehended after assaulting a female PoS agent. He had approached her under the pretense of making a withdrawal, then attempted to strangle her and fled with her purse containing ₦100,000.

Local residents pursued and captured him, intending to administer mob justice before police intervention.

Following his arrest, authorities searched Okokiola’s hotel room, discovering multiple SIM cards and ATM cards, which he could not satisfactorily explain. The hotel’s receptionist was also detained for further questioning.

The victim survived the attack and received medical treatment. Okokiola has reportedly confessed to the crime and is believed to be part of a syndicate that targets unsuspecting PoS operators, especially females, sometimes using fake alerts.

This incident underscores the persistent issue of mob justice in Nigeria, where communities often take the law into their own hands due to a lack of trust in the formal justice system. Such actions can lead to human rights violations and undermine the rule of law.

Authorities continue to urge the public to refrain from mob actions and to report suspected criminals to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.