Ayobamiji Komolafe 
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has condemned in strong terms the growing instances of arson, jungle justice across the country.
This was as it warned of its damaging effects on criminal justice administration, the rule of law, and Nigeria’s global reputation.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the trend as a “deplorable and savage behaviour” that undermines human rights and due process.
Adejobi expressed deep concern over the tragic loss of lives and destruction of properties resulting from mob actions.
According to him, these acts of jungle justice are a betrayal of justice and erode the principles of the rule of law that the criminal justice system is built upon.
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“The act of taking the law into one’s hands not only endangers innocent lives but also tarnishes the reputation of our nation,” Adejobi emphasized.
The police spokesperson highlighted a recent incident in Edo State, where public outrage led to the deaths of suspects in police custody.
The suspects, who were accused of kidnapping and armed robbery, were rescued by the police but were later killed by a mob that also set ablaze the Divisional Police Station, patrol vans, and police barracks in the area.
Adejobi clarified that the suspects were being lawfully detained for further investigation and not to be released, as feared by the community.
“The erroneous perception that the police intended to pervert justice was unfair and untrue,” he added.
In a similar incident, a police team in Agege, Lagos State, was attacked by a mob on October 19 while attempting to prevent jungle justice.
The team had gone to rescue a driver who was accused of accidentally knocking down a motorcycle rider.
In the ensuing chaos, a group of motorcyclists attacked the driver and later turned on the police officers.
Tragically, ASP Augustine Osupayi, one of the officers, was killed in the attack.
“These are just a few examples of the many incidences of jungle justice recorded across the country,” Adejobi said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed his condolences to the families of those affected by the incidents
He further directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to investigate these cases thoroughly.
The aim, according to Adejobi, is to ensure that those responsible for the violent acts are brought to justice.
Adejobi also called for increased public cooperation with law enforcement.
He urged Nigerians to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
He stressed that only through due process can justice be truly served and the rule of law upheld.
