The Oyo State Police Command has disclosed that a United States-based medical doctor, identified as Dr. Afolabi, was brutally attacked by a mob in Ibadan following a false kidnapping allegation that led to widespread panic and destruction of property.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, May 12, 2026, around 2:30 p.m. at the 2nd Powerline Area, Ologuneru, along the Eleyele–Ido Road axis of Ibadan.
According to the Police Command, officers responded swiftly after receiving a distress call indicating that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched and set ablaze by an angry crowd.
A combined team of patrol and detective officers led by the Divisional Crime Officer of Eleyele Police Station was immediately deployed to the scene where the victim was rescued from the mob.
Police, however, disclosed that before officers arrived, the victim’s Lexus RX 330 SUV had already been set ablaze by the mob.
The Command further stated that two young girls identified as Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12, who were inside the vehicle at the time of the incident, were also taken into protective custody together with the victim for investigation.
Preliminary findings later revealed that Dr. Afolabi is a medical practitioner based in the United States and not a kidnap suspect as alleged in viral social media reports.
Investigators further discovered that the two girls had been legally released by Mrs. Idowu Abimbola, a 56-year-old resident of Eleyele, for the purpose of accompanying them to assist the victim’s mother with household duties.
Police said Mrs. Abimbola was invited for questioning and confirmed the arrangement, while the two girls also corroborated the account during investigation.
The Command explained that the misunderstanding began when Dr. Afolabi attempted to pass through the Polytechnic gate and was stopped by security personnel for routine checks.
According to investigators, suspicion was triggered after the two girls inside the vehicle were allegedly seen partially unclothed, prompting concerns among bystanders and security officials.
Police said the victim’s inability to provide convincing explanations at the scene and his decision to turn away from the checkpoint further heightened suspicion.
Authorities added that the inability of the girls to communicate effectively in either Yoruba or English worsened the situation and fueled claims of an abduction.
The false alarm reportedly escalated into a chase before angry youths intercepted and attacked the victim, ignoring his explanations and inflicting serious injuries on him before police intervention.
Dr. Afolabi was subsequently rushed to the Police Medical Services for treatment and is currently responding positively.
The Command also disclosed that statements had been obtained from eyewitnesses, including an Okada rider allegedly injured during the incident, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved in the mob attack and destruction of property.
Reacting to the incident, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, strongly condemned jungle justice and the spread of false information.
The Commissioner warned residents against taking laws into their hands, stressing that mob actions and misleading social media narratives pose serious threats to public peace and could undermine security efforts across Oyo State.
