Following the recent jungle justice carried out in some parts of the country, the Nigeria Police Force condemned the dangerous trend, cautioning the general public on the consequences of such on criminal justice administration, rule of law and the global reputation of the nation.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Force described jungle justice as a deplorable and savage behaviour which has led to tragic loss of lives and destruction of property across the country.
According to him, this inhuman act is a betrayal of justice and due process which undermines the rule of law, fundamental principles and ideals of human rights, and justice.
In the same instance, the Police specifically condemned the act of arson, which led to the death of some suspects in police custody after they were set ablaze along with the police barracks, patrol vans and the police station in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
“In the above case, members of the public alleged that the police were trying to pervert justice by taking into custody some suspected kidnappers and armed robbers who have been accused of terrorising the people of the community in Edo State.
“The main suspect was arrested and almost lynched by the community members before he was rescued by the police. His arrest led the police to that of three additional suspects.
“The rescue and detention of the suspects didn’t go down well with the community members, who later mobilised in large number and attacked the police station, killed the suspects by burning, and razed the station and property therein.
“The erroneous perception of the community members that the police would set free the suspects was absolutely wrong and quite unfair, as the police never intended to pervert justice in the case, more so that they have through painstaking investigation arrested three other suspects pointed at in the criminal act.
“In another development, a police team trying to prevent the execution of jungle justice was gruesomely attacked which led to the killing of a police officer, ASP Augustine Osupayi, attached to the Lagos State Command, by a group of violent mob on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Agege, Lagos State.
“The police team had raced to the scene to rescue a driver who was alleged to have accidentally knocked down a motorcycle rider, leading to his death.
“The group of motorcycle riders pounced on the driver, who was eventually rescued by the police. The rescue didn’t go down well with the riders who descended on the police team and unfortunately killed the ASP instantly. These are very few cases out of many incidences recorded across the country,” the FPRO stated.
He said that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, sympathized with the families of the departed souls, and has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to investigate these incidents, and bring all persons found wanting to face the full wrath of the law.
He added: “While the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in upholding the principles of rule of law, members of the public are urged to shun acts of jungle justice, and destruction emphasizing that it serves only to destabilize the foundation of legal authority and public safety.
“It is criminal, illogical, and unjustifiable, irrespective of the grievances held by the perpetrators.”
