The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two security guards, Segun Sodiya and Segun Abatan, for allegedly setting a 44-year-old man, Basiru Aliu, ablaze in Agura Sabo area of Sagamu, Ogun State.
It was gathered that the suspects mistook the victim for a thief when he approached a compound they were guarding.
The spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday said that the victim was reportedly helping his employer move belongings from his former residence to a new site around 7 a.m. on Monday.
While carrying out the task, Aliu was said to have been violently attacked by the security guards employed by one of the residents,
The suspects allegedly poured a flammable substance on Aliu and set him on fire, believing he was trying to steal the items he was transporting for his employer.
“Aliu was reportedly helping his employer, Fatai Ifekoya, move belongings from his former residence to a new site in Ijokun at around 7 a.m. on Monday,” the PPRO said.
“While carrying out the task early on Monday, Aliu was said to have been violently attacked by Sodiya and Abatan, security guards employed by one of the residents, Kingsley Nwabueze.
“The duo allegedly poured a flammable substance on Aliu and set him on fire, believing he was trying to steal the items he was transporting for his employer.
“Officers from the Division Crime Office and a patrol team responded immediately.”
The victim was rescued and taken to the Royal Cottage Hospital, Agura Sabo, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding well.
Odutola added that the security guards had been taken into custody and would be prosecuted for attempted murder once the investigation at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Abeokuta is completed.
She warned all the residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and report suspicious activities to the police instead of resorting to violence.