Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunde Disu, has issued a strong warning against jungle justice and mob attacks, directing police authorities across Nigeria to investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the unlawful killing or assault of suspects.
Disu said the directive was aimed at tackling the growing cases of extrajudicial killings and mob violence, particularly as disturbing videos of alleged attacks continue to circulate on social media.
In a video address monitored by journalists, the police chief stressed that no individual has the authority to punish an alleged criminal outside the established legal process. He directed police commands nationwide to treat cases involving mob killings as serious homicide offences.
The IGP referenced relevant provisions of Nigerian law, including Section 319 of the Criminal Code and Section 221 of the Penal Code, which address murder, as well as Section 516 of the Criminal Code on conspiracy.
According to Disu, anyone who assaults or kills a person suspected of committing a crime through mob action could face prosecution for murder.
He also warned that criminal liability could extend beyond individuals who physically attack victims. Those who allegedly mobilise crowds, obstruct police officers from intervening, record and circulate footage of mob attacks, or otherwise participate in the incident could also come under investigation for conspiracy where the evidence supports such charges.
The Inspector-General further directed Commissioners of Police in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to conduct comprehensive investigations into reported cases of mob action.
He ordered the police to deploy available forensic and intelligence-gathering capabilities to identify those responsible and ensure that suspects are brought before the courts.
Disu maintained that the Nigeria Police Force would not shield anyone involved in mob violence, stressing that investigations would be conducted thoroughly and perpetrators prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The directive comes amid renewed concerns over jungle justice in Nigeria, including the reported death of 25-year-old University of Jos graduate Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee. Mbaya was allegedly attacked in Jos on July 26 after being accused of stealing an iPhone 12. Police reportedly arrested suspects in connection with the incident.
The IGP urged Nigerians to resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands whenever a suspected criminal is apprehended. Instead, he called on members of the public to hand suspects over to law enforcement authorities so that investigations and prosecution can follow due process.
Jungle justice remains a major concern for human rights advocates and other stakeholders, who have repeatedly warned about the dangers of extrajudicial punishment. Beyond the loss of lives, mob violence can result in innocent people being attacked based on unverified accusations.
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The latest police directive therefore reinforces the principle that allegations of criminal conduct must be determined through lawful investigation and judicial proceedings, rather than violence or public punishment.
