IBADAN, Nigeria — A Nigerian medical doctor based in the United States narrowly escaped death after he was attacked by a mob in Ibadan, Oyo State, following allegations that he had kidnapped two girls travelling in his vehicle, according to the police.
The incident occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, in the 2nd Powerline area of Ologuneru along the Eleyele–Ido Road in Ido Local Government Area.
Police officials said the victim, identified only as Afolabi, was rescued after residents raised an alarm accusing him of being a kidnapper.
By the time officers arrived at the scene, the mob had already set his Lexus RX 330 sport utility vehicle on fire.
Two girls, identified as Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12, who were inside the vehicle at the time, were also taken into police custody alongside the doctor.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State police spokesman, Olayinka Ayanlade, said officers responded after receiving reports that an alleged kidnap suspect was about to be lynched.
“The incident followed a distress call received from concerned citizens alleging that a suspected kidnapper was about to be lynched and set ablaze by an angry mob,” Ayanlade said.
He said a team of patrol and detective officers led by the Divisional Crime Officer from the Eleyele Police Station intervened and rescued the victim.
“However, before the arrival of the police, his Lexus RX 330 SUV had already been set ablaze by the mob, while two young girls, identified as Deborah, aged 15 years, and Rebecca, aged 12 years, found inside the vehicle, were equally taken into protective custody alongside the suspect for proper investigation,” he added.
Police Investigation
According to the police, preliminary findings showed that Afolabi is a medical doctor practising in the United States and not involved in kidnapping activities.
Investigators said the two girls had been handed over to him by a woman identified as Mrs Idowu Abimbola, 56, who lives in the Eleyele area of Ibadan.
Police said the arrangement was for the girls to be delivered to the doctor’s mother for domestic assistance.
Ayanlade said Abimbola was invited for questioning and confirmed the arrangement, while the girls also corroborated the account given to investigators.
The police spokesman said the misunderstanding began when the doctor attempted to pass through the Polytechnic gate and was stopped by security personnel for a routine search.
“Upon lowering the vehicle’s window glass, the two girls were allegedly seen half-naked, a situation which immediately aroused suspicion among bystanders and security personnel,” he said.
Police said the doctor was unable to provide convincing explanations at the scene and later attempted to leave, which further heightened suspicions among residents.
“The situation was compounded by the inability of the two girls to speak the local language or properly express themselves in English, thereby fuelling the false alarm of kidnapping,” Ayanlade said.
The accusation triggered a pursuit by residents and commercial motorcyclists, during which the doctor was intercepted and beaten before police officers intervened.
Authorities said he sustained serious injuries and was later taken to the Police Medical Services facility for treatment.
Commissioner Condemns Mob Action
Police said statements had been taken from witnesses, including an Okada rider reportedly injured during the confusion, while efforts were continuing to identify and arrest those involved in the attack and destruction of the vehicle.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, condemned the incident and criticised the spread of unverified claims capable of causing public unrest.
He warned residents against mob action and urged the public to report suspicious activity to security agencies rather than resorting to violence.
“The command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that justice is served professionally, fairly, and in accordance with extant laws,” the commissioner said.
