The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued two suspected “one chance” robbers from an angry mob in Utako, Abuja, while cautioning residents against jungle justice.
The incident occurred on January 29, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., when operatives of the Utako Police Division responded to a distress call that members of the public had apprehended and were assaulting two suspected criminals.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said officers arrived promptly at the scene and rescued the suspects, identified as Kefas Akaye and Uya Ugwowere, before they were taken into custody for further investigation.
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects are members of a four-man gang allegedly involved in “one chance” robbery operations across the Federal Capital Territory. The gang reportedly operates from Uke in Nasarawa State, from where its members come into Abuja to carry out their activities.
Two other suspected members of the gang, identified simply as Mary and Aisha, escaped during the commotion and are currently at large. The police said efforts are ongoing to track them down and bring them to justice.
Adeh stated that the FCT Police Command strongly condemns jungle justice and mob violence, warning that such actions endanger lives and obstruct the course of justice.
According to her, assaulting or lynching suspects often leads to the destruction of vital evidence and makes it difficult to identify accomplices, thereby undermining lawful prosecution.
She urged members of the public to exercise restraint and always report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883.
