Three suspected armed robbers were beaten by an angry mob before they were rescued by the police in Sangotedo area of Lagos State.
A statement by the Lagos State Police Command said the suspects, identified as Balogun Teslim, Suleman Balogun, and Peter Oluwagbemi, were arrested in connection with cases of armed robbery reported at an estate on April 11 and April 13.
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended after a distress call alerted security operatives to their activities.
Items recovered from them include a locally made pistol loaded with six rounds of live 9mm ammunition, two black face masks, a hammer, ropes, a large roll of cellophane tape, two black jackets, and a pair of pliers.
Before the arrival of the police, the suspects were attacked by members of the public, who descended on them in an attempt to take the law into their own hands.
They were later rescued by police operatives and taken to a police medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment.
“The suspects were mobbed by members of the public before the arrival of the Police. They were subsequently rescued and taken to a Police medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment,” the statement said.
Investigations revealed that two of the suspects have confessed to the crime and identified one Kinsley, who is currently on the run, as the leader of the group.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
“Two of the suspects have confessed to the crime and identified one Kinsley ‘m’, who is currently at large, as their gang leader. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and bring all those involved to justice,” the statement added.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for violent crimes and strongly warned residents against engaging in jungle justice.
He urged members of the public to always report suspected criminal activities to the police rather than resort to self-help.
Residents were also advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency lines.
