IGP Disu: Jungle Justice Is Murder, Offenders Will Face Prosecution

IGP Olatunji Disu

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has declared that the Nigeria Police Force will prosecute anyone involved in jungle justice, warning that mob killings amount to murder and will no longer be tolerated.

Disu, who spoke with journalists in Abuja, said only a competent court of law has the authority to determine whether a suspect is guilty and impose punishment.

He urged Nigerians to hand over suspected criminals to the police or other relevant security agencies for investigation and prosecution, stressing that no individual, community or group has the right to take another person’s life.

“Jungle justice is murder. It is not justice; it is a crime, and the Nigeria Police Force will treat it as such. It is illegal,” the IGP said.

He maintained that Nigeria operates under the rule of law and not mob rule, adding that every person, including a criminal suspect, is entitled to life, dignity and fair hearing.

According to Disu, allegations, rumours, viral videos or mere accusations of theft and other crimes cannot constitute sufficient grounds for taking a suspect’s life.

The police chief cited the lynching of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, in March 2025, as a tragic reminder of the consequences of mob action.

“That single incident should haunt every Nigerian every day,” he said, stressing that a rumour, a shout of “thief” or a viral video does not give anyone the right to kill.

Disu warned that offenders could face charges ranging from murder to manslaughter, depending on the circumstances of each case.

He further disclosed that criminal liability would extend beyond those who physically attack a victim to individuals who plan, incite, encourage or support mob action.

“It is not only the person who strikes the fatal blow. Anybody who plans, incites or encourages the mob, who supports them or gives them all the support, even without laying a hand on the victim, is criminally liable,” he said.

The IGP also warned that those who film such incidents, circulate the videos, mobilise crowds or obstruct security agents from rescuing suspects could face criminal charges.

IGP Disu said he had directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to treat every case of mob action as a homicide and investigate such incidents thoroughly through forensic and intelligence-based methods.

“We will identify, arrest and prosecute not just the ring leaders, but everybody we can identify who took part in it,” he declared.

The IGP also warned police officers and other security personnel against failing to intervene during mob attacks.

He said officers who deliberately look away, fail to intervene or neglect their duty to protect lives would face disciplinary action.

“Protecting life is not an optional responsibility for any officer wearing this uniform. You must do your job,” IGP Disu said.