Four arrested over mob killing of 21-year-old in Akwa Ibom
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Four suspects have been arrested in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, for the alleged mob killing of a 21-year-old man accused of theft.
- The victim, Emmanuel Effiong, was allegedly beaten to death with sticks and machetes after being accused of stealing chickens and eggs from a poultry farm.
- Police condemned the act and stressed that anyone accused of an offense should be handed over to lawful authorities for due process.
Police in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, have arrested four individuals in connection with the mob killing of Emmanuel Effiong, a 21-year-old man. The victim was allegedly accused of stealing chickens and eggs from a local poultry farm on April 19.
In the disturbing footage, the victim was seen lying helpless in a pool of blood with his hands and legs tied, before being dragged on the ground beside a white Mitsubishi pick-up van.
According to DSP Timfon John, the state's Police Public Relations Officer, the suspects murdered Effiong and buried him in a shallow grave. A viral video clip showing the brutal assault, where the victim was seen tied up and dragged, prompted a swift police investigation.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Command began a painstaking investigation which led to the arrest of four principal suspects.
Operatives identified and arrested four key suspects, also recovering the white Mitsubishi pick-up van allegedly used in the crime. The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, condemned the killing, emphasizing the importance of due process and handing over suspects to the police or lawful authorities.
Anyone apprehended for any alleged offence should be handed over to the Police or other lawful authorities for due process.
Azare reaffirmed the command's commitment to protecting human life and upholding the rule of law, stating that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The command remained resolute in its commitment to protecting the sanctity of human life and upholding the rule of law.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.