IGP Disu Declares Jungle Justice Murder, Orders Nationwide Crackdown

Inspector-General of Police Tunde Disu has ordered a nationwide crackdown on mob attacks, warning that anyone involved in the assault or killing of a suspected criminal could face prosecution for murder.

Disu issued the warning in a viral video while addressing the growing practice of jungle justice, where members of the public attack or kill people suspected of committing crimes without allowing the police or courts to handle the matter.

The police chief said mob action could no longer be treated as a form of community punishment. He maintained that anyone who participates in violently attacking or killing a suspect would be held responsible under the law.

Disu also warned that people who encourage or organise mob attacks could face criminal charges. He said individuals who record and circulate videos of such attacks or deliberately prevent police officers from rescuing suspects could also come under investigation.

According to the IGP, those involved in organising or encouraging such attacks could face charges relating to conspiracy to commit murder, which carries a lengthy prison sentence under Nigerian law.

The police chief has consequently directed Commissioners of Police in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to treat cases of mob action as homicide and carry out full investigations.

The directive requires police authorities to make use of forensic evidence, intelligence gathering and other investigative methods to identify people involved in mob attacks and establish their individual roles.

Disu said the police would not shield anyone found to have participated in mob violence and that suspects would be prosecuted after investigations are completed.

His directive comes amid renewed concerns about extrajudicial killings across the country, particularly incidents in which people accused of theft or other offences are attacked by members of the public before law enforcement officers can intervene.

One recent case involved 25-year-old University of Jos graduate Ibrahim Mbaya, who was reportedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing an iPhone 12.

The incident has added to concerns about the dangers of allowing allegations of crime to trigger immediate punishment without investigation or trial.

The Nigeria Police Force urged members of the public to hand suspected criminals over to law enforcement agencies rather than attacking them.

The police said suspects should be investigated and prosecuted through the established legal process, stressing that members of the public do not have the authority to determine the guilt or punishment of an accused person.

Disu’s order means police commands across the country are expected to take a tougher approach to mob violence and pursue those involved, whether they directly participated in an attack or played a role in organising, encouraging or assisting it.