A younger man whose identify and age weren’t instantly disclosed by the police narrowly escaped being lynched by a mob for allegedly making an attempt to vandalise public infrastructure.
The incident occurred on Monday at Agbo Ntoe Layout, Boulevard Road, off Parliamentary Extension in Calabar.
Angry residents caught the suspect and practically manhandled him earlier than group leaders intervened, insisting that he be handed over to the police.
Commending the intervention of the group leaders, the spokesperson of the state police command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, stated in an announcement that they demonstrated restraint worthy of emulation by different communities.
Akata stated their intervention prevented the lynching of the suspected vandal.
“The community leaders intervened and insisted on police presence. They then released the suspect to the police,” he stated.
Akata stated their motion underscored the significance of group cooperation in combating jungle justice and permitting the legislation to take its course, as emphasised by the Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue.
He urged members of the general public to reject mob violence and embrace lawful channels for addressing suspected prison acts, saying, “A suspect is not a convict. Justice is not served by mob action but by due process.”
The suspect, recognized solely as Pete, has been arrested and detained on the state police command in Calabar.
