Suspected vandal escapes lynching in Calabar

A young man, whose name and age have not been disclosed by the police, narrowly escaped a lynch mob's wrath for allegedly attempting to vandalize public infrastructure. The incident occurred on Monday in Agbo Ntoe Layout, Boulevard Road, off Parliamentary Extension, Calabar.

Angry residents apprehended the suspect and nearly physically restrained him until community leaders intervened. They insisted the individual be handed over to the police.

ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, spokesperson for the state police command, praised the community leaders for their restraint. Akata's statement stated that the leaders' actions served as an exemplary model for other communities. He emphasized that their intervention prevented the lynching of the suspected vandal.

Akata explained that the community leaders insisted on the presence of the police, after which the suspect was released to the authorities. The police commissioner, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, echoed Akata's sentiments. He urged citizens to reject mob violence and to rely on lawful avenues for addressing suspected criminal acts. Ordue stressed that a suspect is not a convict; justice is not served by mob action, but by due process.

The suspect, known only as Pete, has been arrested and is currently detained at the state police command in Calabar.