Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has ordered commissioners of police across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to intensify the fight against jungle justice and mob violence.
Disu directed police commanders to treat every reported case of mob action as homicide and ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted. He also warned individuals, communities and vigilante groups against taking the law into their own hands.
In a video shared by the Nigeria Police Force on X, the IGP stressed that allegations, rumours, photographs or social media posts cannot be used as a substitute for investigation and trial.
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. Nigeria operates under the rule of law, not mob rule,” Disu said. NigerianPolitics Coverage
He noted that the 1999 Constitution protects the rights of every Nigerian, including suspects, to life, dignity and fair hearing. According to him, mob attacks violate these rights by allowing individuals to punish suspects without due process.
Disu also warned that people involved in killing suspected criminals could face murder charges, regardless of whether they personally carried out the fatal attack.
“The punishment is severe, and it will be enforced. Anybody who assaults or summarily executes a suspected criminal is guilty of murder, which is punishable by death,” he said.
He referred to Sections 319 of the Criminal Code and 221 of the Penal Code, which provide for prosecution in cases of unlawful killing, depending on the circumstances.
The IGP said criminal responsibility could also extend to individuals who organise, encourage or provide support for mob violence.
“Anybody who plans, incites or encourages the mob by giving them support, even without laying a hand on the victim, is criminally liable,” he said.
He further warned that people who cheer or support such acts could face prosecution where their conduct amounts to an offence, including conspiracy to murder, which he said carries a 14-year prison term.
Disu cited the March 2025 killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, as an example of how unverified accusations can lead to deadly consequences. He also referred to other cases involving people accused of theft, blasphemy, ritual activities and other crimes who were attacked before their allegations could be properly investigated.
The police chief directed commissioners to conduct full investigations into mob attacks, using forensic evidence, video footage, eyewitness accounts and intelligence to identify everyone involved.
“I have directed all commissioners of police across the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT to treat every case of mob action as homicide, and they should investigate it like that,” Disu said. NigerianPolitics Coverage
He added, “Full forensic and intelligence follow-up, no exception. We will identify, arrest and prosecute not just the ringleaders but everybody available, everybody we can identify who took part in it.”
Disu also warned against recording and circulating footage of mob attacks, mobilising crowds or preventing security personnel from rescuing suspects where such actions constitute criminal offences.
He extended the warning to police officers, saying officers who fail to intervene appropriately when confronted with mob violence could also face disciplinary or criminal action.
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