The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of jungle justice across Nigeria, ordering a thorough investigation into the matter.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP condemned the growing trend of mob justice, calling it “dangerous and abhorrent.”
He emphasized that such acts undermine the country’s criminal justice system, the rule of law, and Nigeria’s global reputation.
Egbetokun’s directive comes in the wake of a violent incident in Agenebode, Edo State, where a mob attacked a police station and burned several suspects to death on October 13, 2024.
According to Adejobi, the mob accused the suspects of being kidnappers and armed robbers who had been terrorizing the community. Despite police efforts to investigate and detain the suspects, the crowd took matters into their own hands.
“The police specifically condemn the act of arson which led to the burning of some suspects in police custody, as well as the destruction of a police station, patrol vans, and barracks,” Adejobi said.
He added that the community had erroneously believed the police were trying to release the suspects, leading to the deadly attack.
In another incident cited by the police, a mob in Agege, Lagos, on October 19, 2024, attacked a driver who accidentally killed a motorcyclist. When police officers arrived to rescue the driver, they were violently confronted, resulting in the death of Assistant Superintendent of Police Augustine Osupayi.
Adejobi noted that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department to investigate both incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The IGP sympathizes with the families of the victims and has ordered a full investigation into these tragic events,” Adejobi stated. “We cannot allow this dangerous trend to continue, as it threatens the very fabric of our justice system.”
