The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to treat cases of jungle justice as homicide and ensure the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of mob action.
Disu gave the directive during a live television programme on African Independent Television (AIT) on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
He described jungle justice as a criminal act that violates the constitutional rights of victims, stressing that such practices have no place in a society governed by the rule of law.
“Let me state clearly, without ambiguity: jungle justice is murder. It is not justice. It is a crime, and the Nigeria Police Force will treat it as such. Nigeria operates under the rule of law, not mob rule,” the IGP said.
According to him, Sections 33, 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantee every Nigerian, including suspects, the rights to life, dignity and fair hearing, noting that no individual or group has the authority to try, sentence or execute another person.
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The police chief lamented that many innocent Nigerians had lost their lives due to false accusations, rumours and mistaken identities, citing the lynching of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, in March 2025 as a tragic example of the consequences of mob justice.
He warned that anyone involved in assaulting or killing a suspected offender would face criminal prosecution, adding that those who incite, encourage, support or participate in mob attacks would also be held liable.
Disu further cautioned that individuals who film or circulate videos of mob attacks, mobilise crowds or obstruct security personnel from rescuing suspects could equally face prosecution.
The IGP directed all Commissioners of Police to identify, arrest and prosecute not only the principal perpetrators of jungle justice but also all those who aid, encourage or play any role in such unlawful acts.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens and ensuring that justice is administered only through lawful judicial processes.
