The Lagos State Police Command has said that a baby that was found in the delivery box of a dispatch rider in Lagos on Friday was not stolen.
Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi had ordered investigations into matter which went viral last week.
Lagos State Police PRO, Adekunle Ajisebutu in a statement on Monday said that the 10-month old baby was fond of playing with the rider who is their neighbor.
It was revealed that the baby was crying profusely when the rider wanted to go and pick a package and to pacify him, she allowed him to go with the baby.
The Commissioner of Police therefore warned members of the public against any form of jungle justice as such uncivilized action has grave consequences.
The statement read;
“On 11th March, 2022, a video of a dispatch rider accused of concealing a suspected stolen child in a courier box went viral on the social media, causing apprehension.
“Although the incident was not reported at any police station, however, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, directed that the incident should be investigated immediately.
“In compliance with the directive, investigation was initiated which led to the discovery of the scene. 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 Bitrus, 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.
“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 (rider) wanted to go pick up something in the neighbourhood. To pacify the baby, his mother allowed him go with the rider.
“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.”