A suspected phone snatcher has died in the hospital after being rescued from an attempted mob lynching in the Agege area of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released on Monday. According to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the incident took place on Saturday, March 15, at Akerele Junction.
Hundeyin explained that officers from the Isokoko Police Division received a distress call about a robbery suspect who had been caught and beaten by a mob after allegedly snatching mobile phones from commuters.
“By the time police officers arrived at the scene, the mob had dispersed.
The suspect, who sustained severe injuries, was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later confirmed dead,” he said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplices—still at large—had attacked a woman with a sharp object and stolen her phone.
The victim was taken to the hospital and is currently receiving treatment.
Police officers have visited the hospital to examine and document the victim, while the suspect’s body has been deposited in a public morgue by the Lagos State Health and Monitoring Unit.
Hundeyin added that efforts are underway to apprehend both the fleeing gang members and those responsible for taking part in the mob action.
He assured that a thorough investigation is ongoing.