A dramatic scene unfolded in Ogun State as a suspected Point of Sale (POS) robber found himself on the receiving end of mob justice, only to be saved by the swift intervention of the police. This incident highlights the dangers faced by POS operators and the public’s growing frustration with petty crime. Let’s break down what happened and discuss how you can stay safe.
- The Crime: A 21-year-old man tried to rob a female POS operator in Awowo, Ogun State.
- The Mob: Locals caught the thief and almost lynched him.
- The Rescue: Police arrived just in time to save the suspect.
- The Aftermath: The suspect’s hotel room was searched, revealing more potential evidence of criminal activity.
How it All Went Down
On a day that started like any other, a 21-year-old man named Adebayo Okikiola decided to try his luck at a local POS point in Awowo, Ewekoro LGA. But instead of making a legitimate transaction, he attacked the female operator, attempting to choke her and make off with her cash, which was over ₦100,000. This was definitely not his smartest move.
Mob Justice Almost Prevails
Local residents, witnessing the assault, were not having it. They chased after Okikiola, apprehended him, and were on the verge of taking the law into their own hands. Yes, things were about to get ugly, but thankfully, the police arrived just in the nick of time.
Police Intervention and Investigation
The Ogun State Police Command, led by SP Omolola Odutola, issued a statement detailing the incident. According to their initial findings, Okikiola had initially approached the POS operator pretending to withdraw money. He even bought a drink and water, trying to keep up the facade. But then, he showed his true colors and attacked the operator.
Further investigations revealed that Okikiola had been staying at a hotel since December 9th, switching rooms to avoid detection. A search of his room yielded six SIM cards and three ATM cards, none of which he could explain. It seems like the young man may have been up to more than just one robbery.
What Does This Mean for You?
This incident should serve as a wake-up call, especially if you’re a POS operator. It’s critical to be vigilant and take extra precautions when conducting business. The police are also advising the public to be more cautious when handling cash transactions.
Tips for POS Operators and the Public
- Be Aware: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when handling cash.
- Vigilance is Key: Always check for any suspicious behavior around you.
- Secure Your Location: Try to operate in a secure and well-lit area if possible.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice anything suspicious, report it to the authorities immediately.
The Bigger Picture
This event underscores the growing concern about petty crime in Nigeria and the public’s frustration leading to mob justice. While it’s understandable that people are angry, it is paramount that the public leave the police to do their work and not engage in extra-judicial violence. The police must act quickly to prevent citizens from taking matters into their own hands.
The police investigation into Okikiola’s case continues, and justice, hopefully, will be served.