The Nigeria Police Force has strongly denounced the recent surge in jungle justice incidents across various parts of the country, labeling it a “dangerous and abhorrent trend” that undermines the rule of law and damages Nigeria’s international reputation. The police also warned that such actions threaten the integrity of the nation’s criminal justice system.
This condemnation follows violent events in Agenebode, Edo State, and Agege, Lagos State, where angry mobs stormed police stations, dragged out suspects accused of kidnapping and organ trafficking, and killed them. In Edo State, a mob also killed a police officer, set fire to a station, and destroyed police property.
Force Public Relations Officer ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, revealed that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has tasked the Deputy Inspector General of Police, in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), to investigate the incidents and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force condemns the dangerous and deplorable trend of jungle justice that has led to the loss of lives and property. This savage behavior is a betrayal of justice and undermines the rule of law and human rights,” the statement read.
In Agenebode, the mob accused the police of shielding suspected kidnappers and armed robbers by taking them into custody. Despite police efforts to investigate, the mob overpowered the station, killed the suspects by setting them on fire, and damaged police property.
In Lagos, a police officer, ASP Augustine Osupayi, was killed by a mob on October 19, 2024, while attempting to rescue a driver accused of hitting a motorcyclist. The mob, dissatisfied with police intervention, attacked the officers and killed the ASP.
The Inspector General of Police expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and reiterated the police force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. He urged the public to refrain from jungle justice, warning that it destabilizes the legal system and compromises public safety.
“Jungle justice is criminal, illogical, and unjustifiable,” the statement concluded.