The Lagos State Police Command has exonerated dispatch rider, Williams Tadule who was seen with a 10-month-old baby in the Sangotedo area of Lagos last Saturday.
The dispatch rider, according to the police, has been found to be a relation of the baby.
In a viral video, Tadule was almost mobbed to death by a crowd, which accused him of abducting the child found in his courier box. The Lagos State Police Command has denied reports that a dispatch rider, Williams Tadule seen with a 10-month-old baby in the Sangotedo area of Lagos last Saturday is a kidnapper.
According to the police, the mother of the baby, Lovina Biturs and Williams Tadule, are relatives and allowed the rider to go with the baby.
Lovina Bitrus noted she allowed the ten-month-old baby to go with Williams when he was crying so as to pacify him, the police clarified.
The statement reads: “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, fdc, mnim, psc, directed that the incident should be investigated immediately.
“In compliance with the directive, the 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 Biturs, 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 uncivilised action has grave consequences.”
