The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the spread of jungle justice in some sections of the country, warning of the ramifications for criminal justice administration, the rule of law, and global reputation.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, made the announcement in an Abuja statement on Sunday.
Adejobi criticised the country’s practice of jungle justice, calling it “deplorable and savage behaviour.”
According to Adejobi, the crime resulted in the tragic loss of life and devastation of property across the country.
He claimed that the callous act was a betrayal of justice and due process, undermining the rule of law, fundamental principles, and objectives of human rights and justice.
He said the act led to the death by burning some suspects in police custody and the setting ablaze of barracks, patrol vans, and the Divisional Police Station in Edo State.
According to Adejobi, in the above case, the public alleged that the Force was trying to pervert justice by taking into custody some suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, accused of terrorising the community.
“The main suspect was arrested and almost lynched by some community members before he was rescued by the police, and his arrest led to the arrest of three additional suspects.
“The rescue and detention of the suspects did not go down well with some members of the community, who later mobilised in large numbers.
“They attacked the police station, killed the suspects by burning them and the station as well as properties therein,” he said.
Adejobi said the misleading perception of members of the community that the Force would set free the suspects was wrong and unfair.
He stated that the law enforcement agency had no intention of perverting justice in the case and that three more individuals were apprehended following a thorough investigation.
According to him, in another development, a police squad in Lagos State was attacked while attempting to prevent the execution of jungle justice.
According to Adejobi, a mob attack on Oct. 19 in the Agege region of Lagos State resulted in the death of an officer, ASP Augustine Osupayi, who was attached to the state police command.
He stated that the police crew proceeded to rescue a driver who was accused of accidentally knocking down a motorcycle rider.
According to the police spokesperson, a bunch of motorcycle riders pounced on the driver, who was eventually rescued by officers.
“The rescue didn’t go down well with the riders, who descended on the police team and unfortunately killed the ASP instantly.
“These are very few cases out of many incidences recorded across the country,” he said.
Adejobi stated that the I-G has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department to probe the incidents.
He stated that the goal was to bring all those found wanting to face the full wrath of the law.
