The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned Nigerians against resorting to jungle justice, declaring that anyone involved in the unlawful killing of a suspect will face prosecution.
Disu, who spoke with journalists in Abuja, said only a competent court of law had the authority to determine the guilt or otherwise of a suspect and impose the appropriate punishment.
He urged Nigerians to hand over suspected criminals to the police or other relevant security agencies for investigation and prosecution, stressing that no individual or group had the right to take another person’s life.
The IGP described jungle justice as murder and said the Nigeria Police Force would treat mob killings as serious criminal offences. He maintained that Nigeria operated under the rule of law rather than mob rule.
According to him, Sections 33, 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantee every Nigerian, including criminal suspects, the rights to life, dignity and fair hearing.
Disu said allegations, rumours, viral videos or public accusations were not substitutes for evidence before a court. He noted that innocent people had been killed over unverified allegations ranging from theft and mistaken identity to blasphemy and ritual killing.
The police chief cited the killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, in March 2025, as a tragic example of the devastating consequences of mob action. He said the incident should remind Nigerians that a mere allegation or cry of “thief” could never justify taking a person’s life.
He warned that persons who unlawfully killed suspects could be prosecuted for murder or manslaughter, depending on the circumstances. He added that criminal liability would extend beyond those who physically attacked or killed victims.
According to Disu, people who plan, incite, encourage or provide material support for mob action could also face criminal charges. He further warned that filming and circulating videos of mob killings, mobilising crowds or preventing security personnel from rescuing suspects could attract prosecution.
The IGP said he had directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to treat cases of mob action as homicide and investigate them through forensic, intelligence and other evidence based methods.
He said the police would identify and prosecute all participants who could be linked to such incidents through video evidence, eyewitness accounts and community intelligence. Disu also warned police officers and other security personnel against failing to intervene, stressing that officers who deliberately neglect their duty to protect lives would face disciplinary action.