Angry Mob Beats Wanted Robbery Suspect in Enugu; Police Recover Stolen Pump-Action Gun

A suspected armed robber, who had been on the police’s wanted list in Enugu State, was severely beaten by an irate mob after being caught with a pump-action gun at a market square, according to police sources.

The suspect, identified as Friday Onwujekwu, commonly known as “Nwatico,” was apprehended by residents at Eke Market Square in the Akiyi, Umulokpa area of Uzo Uwani Local Government Area on Friday afternoon.

A situation report obtained on Sunday indicated that the incident occurred around 3:30 PM on March 13, 2026, following a distress call received by the police about the suspect’s capture and the ensuing mob violence.

Onwujekwu had been declared wanted by the state police command after allegedly attacking a member of a local neighbourhood watch group. Police sources revealed that on January 10, 2026, the suspect attacked Okechukwu Dennis Okoaku at Awkunato Village in Uzo Uwani LGA, stealing a pump-action gun before fleeing the scene.

After months on the run, the suspect was spotted at the market square still in possession of the stolen firearm, leading to his capture by local residents.

“The suspect, who had been evading capture, was caught at Eke Market Square in Akiyi Umulokpa while armed with the same pump-action gun he had previously stolen. He was being lynched by an angry mob before police intervened,” a police source stated.

The Divisional Police Officer swiftly mobilised a patrol team to the scene, rescuing the suspect from the mob; however, he had already sustained various injuries from the assault.

Initially, the suspect was rushed to the Police Clinic in Enugu for urgent treatment but was later referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Ituku-Ozalla, where he is currently receiving medical care.

Police authorities confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Command’s Crack Squad in Enugu for further investigation.

Meanwhile, security sources indicated that the overall security situation in the state remains calm, with police continuing aggressive patrols and monitoring across communities.