Mob attack: Motorist escapes death in Abuja over false kidnapping alarm

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested one Lukman Garba for allegedly raising a false kidnapping alarm that incited a mob attack on a motorist at Gaduwa Junction, Abuja.

According to a report by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagozola Makama, the incident occurred in the early hours of April 18, 2025, at about 12:10 a.m., following a minor road traffic collision between a Toyota Camry car, ash in colour  driven by Mr. Martins Ngwu of Jahi 1, and a white Toyota Sienna space bus driven by one Mr. Garba of Sa’adu Court, Apo.

According to a police sources, after the accident along Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Mr. Ngwu reportedly trailed Mr. Garba’s vehicle to Gaduwa Junction in an attempt to engage him over the incident. However, upon arrival, Garba allegedly raised a false alarm, accusing Ngwu of being a kidnapper.

“This prompted a mob to attack Ngwu, beating him severely and vandalizing his vehicle. He sustained multiple injuries to the head and hands before being rescued by Police Patrol Teams from Apo Division who were deployed following a distress call.

“The victim was rushed to Sahad Hospital where he was treated and later discharged. Normalcy has since been restored in the area, and both vehicles are currently in police custody,” the report said.

The suspect, Garba, is said to be presently undergoing interrogation as investigation continues into the case of criminal conspiracy, grievous hurt, and defamation of character.