A suspected kidnapper in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State in South-West Nigeria, miscalculated when a man he thought would be an easy prey surprised him, leading to his being overpowered and arrested.

The encounter took place today on Ososami Street, via Iyana Adeoyo area of Ring Road. “The man, whose name was unknown, was apprehended by passersby at around 7:30 a.m., when he, according to an eye witness, attempted to kidnap a young man, simply identified as Baba Ayo, who was on his way to his office,” reports Nigerian Tribune, which is based in the city.

The paper said the man was thoroughly dealt with by a mob, with blood stains on him.

According to Nigerian Tribune, “An eye witness who watched as the event unfolded, said the suspected kidnapper, sighting his victim, hit him (Baba Ayo) on his chest, while he (Baba Ayo), courageously hit him back.

“This Baba Ayo’s bravado was said to be what probably deflated his assailant’s hopes of taking him away as his prey.

“It was this strange offensive public display that attracted passersby’s attention, after which a riotous crowd of people apprehended the suspected kidnapper and almost beat him to a pulp.

“When searched, items found on him were two sachets of water and a knife.

“While this was going on, he kept dumb insolence, but for the police who intervened and later whisked him and Baba Ayo away, the suspected kidnapper would probably have been given a jungle justice.”

•Photo shows the kidnapper stripped after being overpowered.