The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of a motorcycle thief, John Udoh, who was killed by a mob in the early hours of Friday, October 18, 2024, in the Atoyo Okeigbo community, Aruba Sagamu. Udoh’s partner, Peter Ubong, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) in Sagamu.
The incident took place around 2:00 a.m. when Udoh and Ubong, both members of a five-man gang, reportedly broke into the home of Emeka Ruben. They stole a Lifan rubber motorcycle valued at ₦1.2 million, according to a statement by the police command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola.
SP Odutola detailed the events following the theft: “On October 18, 2024, at about 7:20 a.m., the CDA Chairman of the Atoyo Okeigbo community reported via phone that a group of thieves invaded the community around 2:00 a.m. They broke into the home of one Emeka Ruben, stealing his Lifan rubber motorbike.”
Upon discovering the theft, Ruben called for help, alerting the youth of the community. They quickly responded and pursued the suspects. Udoh and Ubong were apprehended by the community members, but three other members of their gang—identified as Adaka, Stephen, and Jeresy—escaped with the stolen motorcycle.
The apprehended suspects faced severe beatings at the hands of the mob before being handed over to the authorities. “The suspects were beaten severely by the mob, with one, John Udoh, being declared dead by doctors at OOUTH Sagamu, where his body was subsequently deposited in the hospital morgue,” said SP Odutola. “Peter Ubong is hospitalized in critical condition.”
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During police interrogation, Udoh and Ubong reportedly admitted their involvement in the crime and revealed that they were part of a larger group responsible for a series of thefts in the area. “The arrested duo confessed that they were part of a five-member group responsible for the theft of fifteen solar streetlights previously stolen from the community, as well as two other motorcycles,” Odutola explained.
The suspects also provided information on their accomplices and admitted to other criminal activities in Ajaka, a part of the Sagamu division. The police are now working to track down the remaining suspects and recover the stolen motorcycle. “Both divisions are collaborating to ensure the apprehension of the named suspects,” Odutola added.
The incident has raised concerns about mob justice and the risks it poses. While community members acted swiftly to apprehend the thieves, the violent outcome led to Udoh’s death. Police authorities have not yet commented on whether any community members will face charges related to the mob attack.