JUNGLE JUSTICE: Police, Lagos State Government Warns About Dire Consequences

The Nigerian Police force released a statement this morning warning about grave consequences for anyone caught in acts of extra_judicial killings, taking laws in their own hands.

Deeply concerned about the increasing tendency by some citizens to resort to extra-judicial killings - Jungle Justice - against those suspected to have committed one crime or another in Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, psc has warned citizens to desist from  such reprehensible acts. Noting that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to the Fundamental Right of fair hearing, the IGP insists that none is guilty except a law court of competent jurisdiction expressly says so. He therefore has directed Zonal AIGs, Command CPs and other field Commanders to take adequate measures to ensure that the rights of every Nigerian citizen, including those of suspected criminals, are protected. The IGP warns that any person found to be involved in any acts of impunity or jungle justice must bear the full wrath of the law as two wrongs cannot make a right.

Noting that the Force is not opposed to citizens or members of Vigilante groups exercising their powers of arrest as private citizens, the IGP insists that such powers must be exercised within the confines of the Law.  Therefore, all such persons arrested must be immediately handed over to the nearest Police Station within the shortest possible time.  

The IGP also called on the social and critical mass particularly the Human Rights Community and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to live up to their responsibility of enlightening the public on the dangers and consequences associated with engaging in jungle justice.

 

While promising that the Police will continue to work with other relevant authorities in ensuring quick dispensation of justice at the Law Courts, the IGP implores citizens to repose confidence in the Police and the entire Justice System.

CSP FRANK MBA

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA.

The Lagos State Government also issued a warning to citizens.

In a statement released last Friday, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, said;

"The full weight of the law would be brought to bear on anyone henceforth caught engaging in jungle justice, no matter what the alleged criminal could have done. The mob may well be wrong and the helpless victim may be anyone’s child or relative. Even if they did commit the alleged offence, there is a process for prosecuting and showing the evidence in court so that proven criminals can be properly punished according to law,”