Mob Nearly Lynches US-Based Doctor in Ibadan Over False Kidnap Alarm, Police Rescue Victim

Tension erupted in Ibadan after an angry crowd allegedly attacked a US-based medical doctor accused of kidnapping two teenage girls, before police intervention uncovered that the alarm was false.

The incident happened around the Ologuneru area along the Eleyele-Ido Road in Ibadan, where residents reportedly descended on the doctor following suspicions that he was attempting to abduct the minors.

According to the Oyo State Police Command, officers responded to a distress call at about 2:30pm after reports emerged that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched by a mob near the 2nd Powerline Area.

A combined team of patrol and detective officers from Eleyele Police Station, led by the Divisional Crime Officer, rushed to the scene and rescued the victim from the angry crowd.

Despite the intervention, the mob reportedly set the victim’s Lexus RX 330 SUV ablaze before security operatives could fully restore order.

Police identified the victim as Dr Afolabi, a medical doctor based in the United States, dismissing viral claims on social media that he was involved in kidnapping activities.

Two teenage girls — Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12 — who were found inside the vehicle were also placed under protective custody as part of the investigation.

Preliminary findings showed that the girls had allegedly been released to Dr Afolabi by a woman identified as Mrs Idowu Abimbola of Eleyele, who reportedly arranged for them to assist the doctor’s mother with household chores.

Police said Mrs Abimbola later appeared at the station and confirmed the arrangement, while the girls also reportedly backed her account during questioning, helping investigators rule out any case of abduction.

Authorities explained that the misunderstanding began during a routine stop near the Polytechnic gate, where bystanders reportedly became suspicious after seeing the girls partially unclothed inside the vehicle.

The situation escalated after the doctor allegedly struggled to provide convincing explanations at the scene, while communication difficulties involving the girls further intensified public suspicion.

Before police officers arrived, some youths allegedly assaulted the doctor, leaving him injured. He was later taken for medical treatment and is said to be responding well.

The Oyo State Police Command said investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for the mob attack and destruction of the vehicle.