Police in Sapele, Delta State, have arrested two women and a group of vigilantes for allegedly beating and burning a 20-year-old boy, Abubakar Yusuf.
Yusuf was reportedly beaten and set ablaze by individuals believed to be vigilantes on allegations of stealing ₦400,000 from a lockup store at Sapele Market, owned by a woman identified as Mrs. Onoriode (surname unknown). The incident occurred yesterday evening.
A source at the Market stated “Onoriode accused Abubakar, a wheel barrow pusher at the Sapele main market of stealing her money from her lockup store. While the argument was going on, she invited men of the vigilante to arrest him. He (Abubakar) was then taken away only to be beaten by the vigilantes black and blue and even set ablaze”
Another source at the Sapele Market revealed that after Abubakar Yusuf was taken by the vigilante group, Onoriode’s sister confessed to taking the ₦400,000 for safekeeping from the lockup store. Following this revelation, Abubakar was released by the vigilante members and taken to a local chemist by Onoriode and some market women, where he was treated and discharged.
However, a Human Rights team, led by Comrade Kingsley Imode, intervened and reported the case to the police. A police source confirmed the arrests, stating, “As I speak to you, two women have been arrested, and the vigilante team responsible for the act is also in custody. We will investigate the matter thoroughly, and justice will be served.”
Meanwhile, Abubakar has been transferred to the Sapele Central Hospital for further treatment.
