Police arrest man for raising false kidnapping alarm that led to mob attack in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested one Lukman Garba for allegedly inciting a mob attack by falsely accusing a motorist of attempted kidnapping at Gaduwa Junction in Abuja.

According to a report by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagozola Makama, the incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday, April 18, 2025, around 12:10 a.m., following a minor traffic collision involving a Toyota Camry, ash in colour, driven by Mr. Martins Ngwu of Jahi 1, and a white Toyota Sienna driven by Mr. Garba of Sa’adu Court, Apo.

Police sources revealed that after the accident along Gimbiya Street in Area 11, Mr. Ngwu trailed Mr. Garba to Gaduwa Junction in an effort to resolve the matter. However, upon arrival, Garba allegedly raised a false alarm, accusing Ngwu of being a kidnapper—an accusation that quickly drew a mob to the scene.

“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.