The Lagos State police command has said a child hidden in the courier box of a dispatch rider in the state was not stolen as initially believed.
Recall that a video of a dispatch rider accused of concealing a suspected stolen child in a box went viral on the social media, causing apprehension.
But in a statement on Monday, the Lagos Police Command said although the incident was not reported at any police station, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, directed that the incident should be investigated immediately.
The statement issued by CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, the Lagos police spokesperson, noted that in compliance with the directive, investigation was initiated which led to the discovery of the scene.
It said that upon further investigation, it was discovered that the child was not stolen after all and that he was not kept in the courier box as alleged by the mob.
“The child’s mother, Lovina Biturs, was contacted. It was then revealed that the child was actually taken away and put on the dispatch motorbike by the rider with the consent of his mother,” the police added.
The statement further said that “according to the mother, the 10-month-old baby is fond of the rider who is a relative, a neighbour and was crying uncontrollably when he the (rider) wanted to go pick up something in the neighbourhood. To pacify the baby, his mother allowed him go with the rider.”
The statement continued, “Passersby who saw the child with the rider along Sangotedo area, Ajah on the said day, became suspicious and concluded that the child might have been stolen, raised the alarm which attracted a mob.
“The mob subsequently pounced on the rider, beating him without finding out the truth.
“The dispatch rider later identified as Williams Tadule, was said to have been rescued by the Chairman of the Sunview Estate, Sangotedo
“The Commissioner of Police, therefore warns members of the public against any form of jungle justice as such uncivilized action has grave consequences.”
Meanwhile, in a video posted by the owner of the logistic company, whose bike was involved, the mother said, “I’m the one that gave him the baby by myself because I trust him. He is the baby’s uncle.”