A police inspector and a suspect both died after a mob attack in Plateau State.
Authorities confirmed arrests and warned residents against mob justice following the tragic incident.
A police inspector attached to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Plateau State Police Command and the suspect he was pursuing have both lost their lives after a mob attack in Nyakala community, Bassa Local Government Area.
The officer, identified as Inspector Lasare Jeremiah, reportedly died after being assaulted by residents on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. According to reports, the suspect he had arrested, Audu Abdullahi, falsely claimed that the officer was a motorcycle thief, triggering the mob action.
State police spokesperson DSP Alabo Alfred confirmed the incident and said three people have been taken into custody in connection with the attack. He clarified that contrary to earlier reports, one of the victims was a serving police officer.
Alfred explained that detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department had been investigating a petition against Abdullahi, a resident of Kishika Village, and trailed him to Nyakala Village after spotting him riding a motorcycle. When the officers intercepted him, the suspect allegedly raised an alarm accusing them of theft. This prompted a mob to beat Inspector Jeremiah.
The spokesperson said the crowd later realized its mistake and turned on Abdullahi, inflicting severe injuries. Both men were taken to Cottage Hospital in Kisalloi, where the officer died while receiving treatment. Abdullahi was later transferred to Jos University Teaching Hospital, where he also died from his injuries.
Alfred added that the case is under investigation by the State CID in Jos. He said Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and urged residents to avoid mob justice, warning that such actions often lead to tragic consequences.
