The suspected louts accused of torturing an 18-year-old boy, identified as Great, in the Abule Odan-Era area of Ojo, Lagos State, have failed to honour a police invitation, days after the incident sparked outrage.
Great was reportedly assaulted on August 18 by men said to operate from a base known as New Era in the community.
The group accused him of stealing a pair of boxers and demanded that his aunt, Philomena, pay N30,000 for the underwear and an additional N20,000 as a fine.
Despite the payment, the teenager was allegedly blindfolded, tied up, and beaten.
A video of the assault obtained by PUNCH Metro showed the victim tied hand and foot while two men brutalised him. Great was later hospitalised with severe injuries.
Nine suspects were initially arrested, and the victim identified two of his attackers.
However, the pair were released by the Area K Command, reportedly after interventions by local figures.
Following public criticism, the state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, ordered their re-arrest.
Rights activist Harmony Tachie of the Harmony Advocacy Network said the two main suspects failed to show up when invited again by police. Instead, another man, not identified by the victim, appeared at the station and was taken to court.
“The culprits even went on to celebrate after their release,” Tachie alleged.
Community leader Fatai Raheem confirmed the development, noting that the Local Government chairman had earlier pleaded on behalf of the suspects when they were first identified.
Residents have since petitioned the police over repeated complaints about the activities of the louts in the area.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Great maintained his innocence, insisting he was wrongly accused while passing through a shortcut in the neighbourhood.
As of press time, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin had yet to respond to calls and messages seeking clarification on the matter.
