Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu, has ordered a nationwide crackdown on jungle justice and mob violence, warning that anyone involved in assaulting or killing suspected criminals outside the legal process will face prosecution.
Disu issued the directive in a video message shared on social media, expressing concern over increasing cases of extrajudicial killings and the circulation of videos showing alleged mob attacks in different parts of Nigeria.
The police chief stressed that Nigerians have no legal authority to punish suspects themselves, regardless of the allegations against them.
According to Disu, individuals who participate directly in mob attacks could face serious criminal charges under existing Nigerian laws.
He cited Section 319 of the Criminal Code and Section 221 of the Penal Code, noting that the provisions prescribe the death penalty for murder in circumstances covered by those laws.
Disu also warned that criminal responsibility could extend beyond those who physically assault or kill a victim.
He said people who organise or encourage mob attacks, mobilise crowds, prevent police officers from intervening, or otherwise facilitate such incidents could also face prosecution for conspiracy.
The IGP further warned against recording and sharing footage of mob attacks, stating that people involved in documenting and circulating such incidents could be investigated where their actions form part of a criminal conspiracy.
As part of the new directive, Disu said Commissioners of Police in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had been instructed to treat every case of mob action as homicide.
He directed the police commands to conduct comprehensive investigations using forensic evidence and intelligence-gathering tools to identify everyone involved.
Disu assured that the police would pursue suspects connected to mob violence and take them before the courts.
The directive comes amid continuing concerns over jungle justice in Nigeria, where suspects accused of crimes have sometimes been attacked or killed by crowds before they can be arrested, investigated and prosecuted through the judicial system.
The IGP maintained that there would be no exceptions in the enforcement of the directive, insisting that suspects must be dealt with according to the law rather than through mob action.
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