Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned against jungle justice, saying anyone involved in lynching or killing suspects will face prosecution. Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Disu stressed that only courts have the constitutional right to determine guilt and impose punishment, citing Sections 33, 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantee every Nigerian the right to life, dignity and fair hearing.
“Jungle justice is murder. It is a crime, and the Nigeria Police Force will treat it as such,” the IGP said. He pointed to the lynching of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, in March 2025 as evidence of the dangers of mob action, adding that rumours, viral videos or shouts of “thief” are not proof of guilt. Disu noted that liability is not limited to those who strike the fatal blow, but also covers those who plan, incite, cheer, film, share clips, or block security agents from rescuing suspects. “If you are there laughing, we will identify you through video evidence and eyewitness accounts,” he warned.
The IGP has ordered Commissioners of Police in all 36 states and the FCT to treat every mob action case as homicide and pursue investigations with forensic and intelligence methods. He also cautioned police officers and other security personnel against failing to intervene, saying any officer who looks away will face disciplinary action. Disu urged the public to hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation, reiterating that “protecting life is not optional for anyone wearing this uniform.”
