In a stern statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force has condemned the rising cases of jungle justice in parts of the country, urging the public to respect the rule of law and the principles of justice.
The statement, dated October 20, 2024, addresses the recent spate of jungle justice incidents, which have tragically led to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and undermined the country’s global reputation.
The Police Force highlights the severe consequences of jungle justice, which it describes as “a deplorable and savage behavior that betrays the ideals of justice, due process, and human rights.”
These acts, according to the Force, threaten the criminal justice system, destabilize public safety, and erode trust in legal institutions.
“Jungle justice is a dangerous act that is leading to untold pain and destruction. It is a gross violation of human rights, and it undermines the integrity of the rule of law,” the statement reads.
The Force also specifically condemns an incident that occurred in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State on Sunday, October 13, 2024. In this case, suspects in police custody were tragically killed by a mob, and police barracks, patrol vans, and a police station were set ablaze. This violence was triggered by allegations that the police were attempting to pervert justice by arresting suspects linked to kidnappings and armed robberies.
“The erroneous belief that the police were trying to set the suspects free was wrong and unjust,” the statement explains.
“The police acted in accordance with the law, arresting and investigating all suspects linked to the criminal acts in the community.”
The Force also cited another tragic event in Lagos State on Saturday, October 19, 2024. A police team responding to an alleged traffic incident was attacked by an angry mob, resulting in the death of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Augustine Osupayi. The mob had been enraged after a driver, accused of knocking down a motorcycle rider, was rescued by police.
The statement emphasized that this kind of violence only serves to destabilize public order, with the Nigeria Police Force expressing its deep sympathy to the families of the victims.
“We are resolute in upholding the rule of law,” said Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
“The law must be respected, and all persons involved in these acts of violence will face the full wrath of the law.”
IGP Egbetokun has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to investigate these incidents thoroughly and bring all perpetrators to justice.
In its final appeal, the Police Force called on the public to avoid engaging in acts of jungle justice, emphasizing that such behavior is not only illegal but serves no purpose other than to destabilize the legal and social framework of the nation.
“The public must understand that these acts are criminal, illogical, and unjustifiable,” the statement concludes. “We urge every citizen to shun jungle justice and embrace lawful means of resolving grievances.”
As Nigeria grapples with the rising threat of jungle justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to maintaining public order and enforcing the law, while calling on citizens to play their part in ensuring a peaceful and just society.