The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a medical doctor from mob action following a false kidnapping alarm raised around the Ologuneru area of Ibadan.
This is according to a press release on the official page of the Oyo State Police Command on May 12 2026.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 2:30pm, around the 2nd Powerline Area, Ologuneru, Eleyele-Ido Road, Ibadan, after residents reportedly accused the man of being involved in kidnapping.
The Command stated that police operatives responded to a distress call alleging that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched by an angry mob.
Police authorities said a combined team of patrol and detective officers led by the Divisional Crime Officer of Eleyele Police Station arrived at the scene and rescued the victim from the crowd.
However, the mob reportedly set his Lexus RX 330 vehicle ablaze before the arrival of security operatives.
Two teenage girls, Deborah, 15, and Rebecca 12, who were found inside the vehicle, were also taken into protective custody for investigation.
Findings by the police identified the victim as Dr Afolabi, a medical doctor based in the United States, dismissing reports circulating on social media alleging he was a kidnapper.
According to the statement, investigations revealed that the two girls were legally released to him by Mrs Idowu Abimbola of Eleyele, Ibadan, for delivery to his mother to assist with household chores.
“Mrs Idowu Abimbola, was invited to the station where she confirmed the arrangement, while the two girls equally corroborated the account and related freely with the said woman, thereby dispelling the suspicion of abduction.”
The Command further stated that the misunderstanding began after Dr Afolabi was stopped for routine vehicle checks at the Polytechnic gate.
According to the police, suspicion reportedly arose after bystanders and security personnel saw the girls inside the vehicle partially unclothed.
It was noted the victim’s inability to provide satisfactory explanations at the scene, alongside communication difficulties involving the girls, reportedly heightened suspicion among residents.
Police authorities said the situation later escalated into a mob action, with some youths allegedly attacking the doctor and inflicting injuries on him before officers intervened.
The victim was later taken for treatment and is reportedly responding to medical care.
The Command added that investigations were ongoing to identify individuals involved in the mob attack and destruction of the vehicle.
Police rescue US-based medical doctor from lynching over false kidnapping alarm in Ibadan