Mob Attacks Suspected Robber in Enugu, Police Recover Pump-Action Gun

By Christopher Ameh

A suspected armed robber who had been declared wanted by the police in Enugu State was severely beaten by an angry mob after he was reportedly caught with a pump-action gun at a market square.

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

According to a situation report obtained on Sunday, the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on March 13, 2026, following a distress call received by the police that a suspected robber had been captured by members of the public and was being lynched.

Sources said the suspect had earlier been declared wanted by the Enugu State Police Command for allegedly attacking a member of a local neighbourhood watch group.

Police sources disclosed that on January 10, 2026, Onwujekwu allegedly attacked Okechukwu Dennis Okoaku at Awkunato Village in Uzo Uwani LGA and made away with a pump-action gun before fleeing the area.

After months in hiding, the suspect was reportedly sighted at the market square while still in possession of the stolen firearm, prompting residents to apprehend him.

“The suspect who had been on the run was caught at Eke Market Square in Akiyi Umulokpa with the same pump-action gun he allegedly stole earlier. He was being lynched by an angry mob before police intervened,” a police source said.

The Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised a patrol team to the scene and rescued the suspect from the mob. However, he had already sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack.

He was initially taken to the Police Clinic in Enugu for emergency treatment before being referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

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

Security sources added that the general security situation in the state remains calm, with police maintaining aggressive patrols and surveillance across communities.