Two suspects alleged to be members of a one-chance robbery syndicate escaped death by a whisker as they were almost burnt alive by an irate mob in Umuahia, Abia State.

The men are alleged to be in the habit of hypnotizing their victims or threatening them with sharp objects, before robbing them of their valuables, after which they hack their victims’ phones to withdraw money from banks.

They were caught and an angry mob descended on them beside the Golden Guinea Breweries along Aba road in the Abia capital.

A passenger, who was allegedly once a victim of their robbery, raised the alarm after identifying them on entering their tricycle again.

The alarm attracted a crowd which included some past victims of robbers.

Observing that the crowd was increasing, the men allegedly confessed their crimes and started begging for mercy.

The angry mob threatened to set them ablaze but the timely intervention of some elders in the crowd saved the men from being burnt alive.