March 15, 2026 — News
A suspected armed robber who had been on the wanted list of the Nigeria Police Force in Enugu State is currently receiving medical treatment after he was severely beaten by an angry mob following his arrest 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, located in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area on Friday afternoon.
Security sources revealed that the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on March 13, 2026, after police received a distress call that a suspected criminal had been captured by members of the public and was being lynched by an angry crowd.
According to police reports, Onwujekwu had earlier been declared wanted after allegedly attacking a member of a local neighbourhood watch group earlier this year.
The suspect reportedly assaulted Okechukwu Dennis Okoaku on January 10, 2026, at Awkunato Village in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area and made away with a pump-action gun belonging to the victim before fleeing the area.
After months on the run, residents reportedly spotted him at the market square still carrying the same stolen firearm. The discovery quickly attracted a crowd, and the suspect was overpowered and beaten by an irate mob before security operatives arrived.
A police patrol team, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly mobilised to the scene and rescued the suspect from the mob attack. However, he had already sustained serious injuries from the beating.
He was first rushed to a police clinic for emergency treatment before being transferred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital where he is currently receiving medical care.
Police authorities confirmed that the case has now been handed over to the Command’s Crack Squad in Enugu for further investigation.
Security sources also assured residents that the general security situation across Enugu State remains calm, as security agencies continue surveillance operations and routine patrols across communities.
— SUNTV Global Channel Reporting
