Police Respond After Mob Burns Couple Alive Over Alleged Motorcycle Theft in Imo

A couple was lynched by a mob over alleged motorcycle theft in Orogwe, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the incident on Thursday, September 5, 2024, and cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands. Okoye emphasized that justice cannot be served if individuals continue to resort to mob violence.

“Allow the police to carry out their duties. Any suspect should be handed over to the police for proper investigation. The police have already deployed a team to investigate and apprehend those responsible,” Okoye stated.

Reports indicate that the couple, whose identities have not yet been confirmed, was burned to death by angry youths in Orogwe-Ohii on Monday, September 2, after being accused of stealing motorcycles.

A community source revealed that the couple was known in the area but was not previously suspected of motorcycle theft. “They were caught while attempting to steal a motorcycle after robbing a motorcyclist with a pistol,” the source said. “The couple was well known in the community, but no one knew they were involved in such criminal activities until they were caught.”

The source also noted that there had been several recent motorcycle thefts in the area, leading to heightened vigilance among residents. “The couple was apprehended while trying to steal another motorcycle along Orogwe/Ohii Road. The youths and community vigilantes, already frustrated by the recent thefts, chose to take the law into their own hands rather than hand them over to the police.”

Many youths have since fled the area out of fear of police arrest during the ongoing investigation.