“Anyone involved in jungle justice will face murder charges” – IGP Disu warns Nigerians
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunde Disu has warned that anyone involved in jungle justice or mob action resulting in the assault or killing of a suspect will face prosecution for homicide or murder.
Disu gave the warning while directing Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to treat every case of mob action as homicide and conduct full investigations using available forensic and intelligence tools.
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The IGP warned that criminal liability could extend beyond those who physically attack victims. According to him, people who mobilise crowds, incite violence, film and circulate footage, or prevent police officers from intervening could also face criminal charges where applicable.
He cited Sections 319 and 221 of the Criminal and Penal Codes on murder, as well as Section 516 on conspiracy, while warning that the police would thoroughly investigate and prosecute anyone found to have participated in mob action.
“Anybody who assaults or summarily executes a suspected criminal in the name of mob action is guilty of murder. There’s no exception,” he stated.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over mob attacks across Nigeria, including the reported killing of 25-year-old University of Jos graduate Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee, in Jos.
Disu urged Nigerians to hand suspected criminals over to law enforcement rather than taking the law into their own hands, stressing that the police would enforce the law.
The police chief’s warning underscores the force’s position that Nigerians must allow law enforcement agencies to investigate suspected crimes and handle offenders through due process rather than resorting to jungle justice.