A suspected armed robber identified as Friday Onwujekwu, popularly known as “Nwatico,” was severely beaten by an angry mob after being caught with a pump-action gun at a market square in Enugu State.
The incident occurred on March 13, 2026, at Eke Market Square in the Uzo Uwani Local Government Area. Residents reportedly apprehended the suspect around 3:30 p.m. after spotting him at the market.
Police sources said the suspect had been on the wanted list of the Enugu State Police Command after allegedly attacking a member of a local neighbourhood watch group earlier in the year. On January 10, 2026, he reportedly attacked Okechukwu Dennis Okoaku at Awkunato Village and fled with a pump-action gun.
After months on the run, he was allegedly seen again at the market still carrying the stolen firearm, prompting residents to capture him and begin beating him before police arrived.
Officers from the local police division were deployed to the scene and rescued the suspect, who had already sustained multiple injuries from the mob attack. He was first taken to a police clinic in Enugu for urgent treatment and later transferred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care.
Police authorities confirmed that the case has been handed over to the Command’s Crack Squad in Enugu for further investigation, while security agencies say the overall security situation in the state remains calm as patrols continue across communities.
