THE Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has again condemned mob justice, stressing its negative impact on the country’s justice system. In Nigeria, it is commonly referred to as jungle justice. The warning is not enough; those who engage in mob justice should face the full wrath of the law. Adejobi said mob justice affects the effective administration of justice, which is detrimental to the smooth dispensation of justice in the country. His view is logical.
Taking the law into one’s hands is referred to as mob justice. The act has globally been condemned for obvious reasons. It can affect the innocent. Mob justice remains a prevalent and concerning phenomenon in Nigeria, where individuals suspected of committing crimes are subjected to violence, lynching, or extrajudicial punishment by a mob.
The Nigeria Police Force said there were over 100 reported cases of mob justice in 2020.
On March 25, police officers attached to the Itire Divisional Police Headquarters, Lagos, received a report from a man who resided at Itire Street, that a group of hoodlums was vandalising his vehicle. His alarm led to the arrest of one of the vandals. The vandal was handed over to a security guard on the street, who reportedly set the vandal ablaze. This is barbaric.
It is good that the said guard has been arrested. He must be made to face the full length of the law.
There are similar cases across the country that have hindered the smooth investigation and prosecution of many cases.
On Tuesday in Lagos, the police arrived at the nick of time to rescue two suspected street robbers, who dispossessed a lady of her phone in the night at Bode Thomas, Surulere.
In August 2023, a suspected armed robber was beaten to death while attempting to rob a resident in Agege, Lagos. In May, that same year, a clergyman, Femi Kolade, lamented the death of his 27-year-old son, Sunday, in the hands of an irate mob in Lagos. Sunday, who reportedly had a history of mental illness, was said to have been mistaken for a thief and was beaten to death at Alakara, Ayobo, Alimoso Local Government Area.
Kolade told this newspaper that his son visited a friend in the area but because of his mental illness, residents of the street who thought he was a thief descended on him.
But Nigerians must shun mob justice, and other forms of extrajudicial killings as it is a criminal act and a grave violation of human rights that threatens the fabric of a civilised society. It perpetuates a cycle of violence, prejudice. It is lawlessness and undermines the authority of legitimate institutions and weakens the rule of law.
One of the most alarming aspects of jungle justice is the lack of due process and the absence of legal safeguards for the accused. In many cases, individuals suspected of wrongdoing are subjected to brutal attacks based solely on rumours or unsubstantiated allegations. Innocent individuals may fall victim to vigilante justice, resulting in wrongful accusations, injuries, or even loss of life.
To address the dangers posed by jungle justice and strengthen the justice system, several measures could be implemented. First, efforts should be made to educate the public about the dangers and illegality of mob justice.
Second, there is a need to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to effectively investigate and prosecute crimes. This includes providing training on human rights, conflict resolution, and community policing to improve police professionalism and responsiveness. According to recent reports, the NPF has begun implementing reforms aimed at addressing cases of mob justice, including improved training for officers and increased collaboration with civil society organisations.
Mob justice poses grave risks to individuals and society, undermining the principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law. It must end!
