The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued a man from an angry mob in Kuje, Abuja, after he was allegedly caught attempting to abduct a five-year-old child.
The incident occurred on October 4, 2026, at about 2:46pm in Angwan Lado, Kuje Area Council, following a distress call reporting that an unidentified adult male was being assaulted by a mob over an alleged child abduction attempt.
Police operatives from Kuje Division were immediately deployed to the scene and rescued the suspect, identified as Bashir Usman, from the mob, which was reportedly preparing to lynch him.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Usman was being assaulted over allegations that he attempted to abduct a five-year-old girl in front of her residence.
The suspect has been taken into police protective custody as investigators expand the inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and determine whether other persons were involved.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, condemned the mob action and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
Sanusi said resorting to jungle justice was criminal and could result in the death of a suspect before the courts had an opportunity to determine the facts of a case.
The Commissioner stressed that such actions could undermine the administration of justice and make it more difficult for law enforcement agencies to investigate allegations properly and prosecute suspects where evidence supports criminal charges.
The Command also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and pay close attention to the safety and wellbeing of their children and wards.
It called on residents to promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station or through the FCT Police emergency numbers: 08028940883 and 08032003913.
The Command said it would continue to investigate the alleged attempted abduction and take appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation.
