The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged assault of a resident and the circulation of a viral video showing his public humiliation, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.
The Command said the arrests followed a complaint filed by the victim, identified as Boluwaji Temidayo, who alleged that he was attacked by a group of individuals, filmed without his consent and later exposed on social media.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident reportedly occurred on July 21, while the matter was reported at the Okuta Elerinla Police Station two days later.
He said detectives immediately launched a technology-driven investigation, deploying digital intelligence and forensic tools to trace those behind both the alleged assault and the online publication of the video.
The investigation led to the arrest of four suspects identified as Gbemisola Ariyo, Babatunde Eniola, Adams Tobiloba and Fasusi Bunmi.
Police said the suspects are in custody and have provided useful information to investigators, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the incident.
The Command added that all those found culpable would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Reacting to the incident, the police condemned the growing trend of jungle justice, warning that no individual has the legal authority to assault, humiliate or publicly parade anyone suspected of committing an offence.
The Command also frowned at the increasing practice of recording such incidents and sharing them on social media, describing the act as capable of violating the rights and dignity of victims while exposing offenders to prosecution under relevant laws, including the Cybercrime Act.
It reminded residents that every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law and urged members of the public to report criminal activities to the police rather than resort to self-help or mob action.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the rights of all residents and ensuring that anyone who violates the law is brought to justice through due legal process.
