Police Debunk Rumour That Stolen Child Was Found With Dispatch Rider

The Police Command in Lagos State has said that the 10-month-old child found with a dispatch rider was not stolen nor was he kept in the courier box as alleged by the mob.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos Command, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said the command’s attention was drawn to a video viral on social media alleging that a yet-to-be-identified dispatch rider stole a child who was recovered in a dispatch box.

“On March 11, 2022, a video of a dispatch rider accused of concealing a suspected stolen child in a courier box went viral on social media, causing apprehension.

“Although the incident was not reported at any police station, however, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, 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.”

Ajisebutu said that when the mother of the child, Lovina Biturs, was contacted, she said that the dispatch rider, Williams Tadule, did not steal his child.

“The child was actually taken away and put on the dispatch motorbike by the rider with the consent of his mother.

“She said that her baby is fond of the rider who is a relative and a neighbor.

“The baby was crying uncontrollably when Tadule wanted to go pick up something in the neighborhood, to pacify the baby, his mother allowed him to 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.”

The PPRO said that the people raised the alarm which attracted a mob, they pounced on him.

“The mob descended on him through beating without finding out the truth.

“He was eventually rescued by the Chairman of the Sunview Estate, Sangotedo.”

Ajisebutu said that the Commissioner of Police, warns members of the public against any form of jungle justice as such uncivilized action has grave consequences.