An 18-year-old boy, identified simply as Great, is receiving treatment in hospital after being brutally tortured by suspected louts in the Abule Odan-Era community of Ojo, Lagos State.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, August 18, followed allegations that the teenager had stolen a pair of boxers.
Great’s aunt, Philomena, told journalists that her nephew was dragged home by a group of men with severe injuries to his face.
The men, who reportedly operate from a base known as New Era in the community, accused the boy of stealing and demanded that she accompany them to their den.
According to her, the group insisted she pay ₦30,000 for the missing boxers and an additional ₦20,000 fine. Despite paying the money, they allegedly subjected the teenager to torture while recording the ordeal.
“They blindfolded him, tied his hands and legs, and flogged him,” Philomena recounted, adding that she was also forced to sign an undertaking to relocate her nephew from the community.
In a video obtained by reporters, Great is seen tied up while being beaten by two men.
He, however, denied the allegation, saying he was only passing through the area when he was falsely accused and framed.
Human rights activist, Sunday Osofisan of the Centre for Positive Health Organisation, said the perpetrators fled after the torture video went viral.
He alleged that the group had a history of harassing and extorting residents.
Nine suspects were later arrested by police at Area K Command, but community leader, Fatai Raheem, expressed concern that most were released shortly after.
“The boy identified the two who tortured him, and they were detained. But by Sunday, they were freed and even released a video celebrating,” Raheem said.
The community has since petitioned the police, condemning the act and dissociating local leadership from the louts.
Another activist, Harmony Tachie of the Harmony Advocacy Network, disclosed that Great has been moved out of the area for his safety.
“This is jungle justice. Even if he had stolen, the right thing would have been to hand him over to the police. Such people must be prosecuted to deter others,” Tachie said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment on the matter as of press time.