Inspector-General of Police Tunde Disu has directed police commands across Nigeria to treat cases of mob action and “jungle justice” as homicide, warning that anyone involved in the assault or killing of suspects outside the law will face prosecution.
Disu issued the warning in a video shared on social media, amid growing reports and footage of mob attacks across the country.
The IGP said Nigerians must stop taking the law into their own hands, stressing that suspects should be handed over to the police and allowed to face due process.
He cited relevant provisions of Nigerian law on murder and conspiracy, warning that criminal liability could extend beyond those who physically attack a suspect.
According to Disu, people who organise or encourage mob attacks, block police officers from intervening, or record and circulate footage of such incidents could also face prosecution where their actions amount to criminal conspiracy.
“Anybody who assaults or summarily executes a suspected criminal in the name of mob action is guilty of murder,” Disu said.
The police chief directed Commissioners of Police in all 36 states and the FCT to carry out full investigations into cases of mob action using forensic and intelligence tools available to the police.
He said the police would prosecute those found responsible and would not make exceptions for anyone involved.
The directive follows growing concerns over extrajudicial killings, including the reported mob killing of 25-year-old University of Jos graduate Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee, who was allegedly attacked in Jos after being accused of stealing an iPhone 12.
Police have arrested suspects in connection with the incident.
Disu urged Nigerians to report suspected criminals to law enforcement authorities instead of resorting to violence, warning that mob justice remains a serious criminal offence.
Source: Nigeria Police Force.
