Angry Mob Burns Alleged Motorcycle Thief in Mokwa, Niger State

A suspected motorcycle thief was reportedly set ablaze by an angry mob in Mokwa, Niger State, on Tuesday afternoon after allegedly attempting to steal a parked motorcycle.

An eyewitness told Patriotic Insight News that the suspect tried to move a motorcycle belonging to a bookseller behind Sogbafo Hotel before he was caught. “They dragged him from the spot to the main road and set him on fire. He struggled to get up but eventually succumbed to the injuries inflicted by the mob,” the source said.

Another witness, Yahaya Mohammed, narrated that he arrived as the mob was handling the suspect. “He deliberately tried to steal a parked motorcycle and was caught. The mob mercilessly beat him, and even if he had survived the beating, the fire would have been fatal,” he said.

Mohammed Abdullahi, chairman of the Mokwa Social Welfare, confirmed the incident, warning against taking the law into one’s hands. “This is a case of jungle justice, which we do not condone. The suspect’s identity is unknown, as his face was burnt beyond recognition,” Abdullahi said.

Efforts to reach the state police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, for comment were unsuccessful, as calls, messages, and WhatsApp communications went unanswered.

This is the second such incident in Mokwa this year. On August 23, 2025, another suspected thief was reportedly set on fire near Mokwa General Hospital, sparking public outrage.