By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A yet-to-be-identified young man suspected of theft has stirred reactions on social media after a video surfaced showing him being compelled to dance publicly half naked (dressed only in his underwear) in Anambra State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday at Acha Street, located behind the popular Idemili Market in Iyiowa Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area (Greater Onitsha area) of the state.
Although the identity of the suspect could not be immediately ascertained, the incident was captured in a video that has continued to trend on social media.
The footage showed the suspect dancing under the watchful eyes of a local vigilante operative, while residents and passers-by gathered around the scene, cheering, mocking and recording the unusual spectacle with their mobile phones.
A man carrying a rechargeable loudspeaker could also be seen playing music as the suspect, clad only in a pair of boxer shorts, danced apparently against his will.
According to a voice heard in the background of the video, as well as a brief note that accompanied the footage, the suspect was accused of stealing an iPhone and some packs of baby diapers, popularly known as Pampers.
The development is the latest in what appears to be a growing trend in some communities these days, where suspected criminals are publicly compelled to dance after being apprehended.
The practice, which has become increasingly popular in recent times, is widely seen by many as an alternative to the mob attacks, jungle justice and physical assaults that often accompanied the arrest of criminal suspects in the past.
In many such cases, videos of the suspects are usually recorded and immediately circulated on social media platforms, while members of the public are often left unaware of what eventually becomes of the suspects after the public display.
The latest incident, as usual, has continued to generate a chain of reactions and counter-reactions on social media, as netizens express divergent opinions on the development and particularly the presence of a security personnel supervising the scene.
While some people argued that the practice serves as a deterrent to criminal activities, others questioned the legality and morality of publicly humiliating suspects who have not been convicted by any court of law.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Anambra State Police Command nor any other relevant authority had issued an official statement regarding the incident, the identity of the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the alleged criminal offence committed by the suspect and his whereabouts.
Watch the video below:
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